Garry Winogrand Quotes

I keep my thoughts to myself, and I think that's one of the best ways to be.

He learned too much and too early that victory goes to the discreet, that one does not speak one's opinion, that ideally one does not even develop one's opinion.

I find it preferable not to have public opinions about anything. It's good for me to shut up.

To be silent is sometimes an art, yet not so great a one as certain people would have us believe, who are wisest they are most silent.

Gossip is the currency of the discourse, so you should shut up about yourself. Never confess, never explain, never apologize, and never complain.

Have you ever heard the phrase, it is better to keep your mouth closed and have people wonder if you are stupid than open it and remove all doubt? (Hakim al Harbi)

You can be honest without sharing your opinions on everything.

I suppose that people, using themselves and each other so much by words, are at least consistent in attributing wisdom to a still tongue.

People are often talking when they are not supposed to be.

If you don't know, it's not always necessary to admit it.

I don't have to tell you it goes without saying there are some things better left unsaid. I think that speaks for itself. The less said about it the better.

It is wise to be silent when occasion requires, and better than to speak, though never so well.

Silence is Wisdom where Speaking is Folly.

I've learned to be more reserved, watch what I'm saying; I got in a little bit of trouble. People tell me 'Never lose that, never lose that,' but then I get in trouble so I have to lose it. I'm trying to keep a little bit; I'm never going to lose who I am, I just gotta tone it down a little bit.

It's not fun to keep secrets, but sometimes you have to do it to protect yourself. And to protect people around you. - Meredith, p112

Never miss an opportunity to shut up.

Wise is the man who says what needs to be said, but not all that could be said.

I have often repented of speech but hardly ever of silence.

Silence is one great art of conversation. He is not a fool who knows when to hold his tongue; and a person may gain credit for sense, eloquence, wit, who merely says nothing to lessen the opinion which others have of these qualities in themselves.

Nothing is often a good thing to do and always a good thing to say.

The truth is, if you're around long enough, you have a story about everyone. But it's best to keep your mouth shut sometimes.

Knowing when to keep your mouth shut is invariably more important than opening it at the right time.

If you can't manage courtesy, try silence.

If you have nothing to say, say nothing.

Life is fraught with opportunities to keep your mouth shut.