Francis Bacon Quotes

The slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts.

Sloppy language leads to sloppy thought, and sloppy thought to sloppy legislation.

A sentence that clots in your mouth is unlikely to flow in your mind.

Clarity in language depends on clarity in thought.

When we use terms we get confused, yet we have no other way.

Words are how people think. When you misuse words, you diminish your ability to think clearly and truthfully.

Crystal-clear thinking is one of the things we look for - not a fancy slide pitch, but crystal-clear thinking.

After all, when you come right down to it, how many people speak the same language even when they speak the same language?

Never impose your language on people you wish to reach.

The ability to express an idea is well nigh as important as the idea itself.

There is need of brevity, that the thought may run on.

I think we can learn a lot about a person in the very moment that language fails them. In the very moment they they have to be more creative than they would have imagined in order to communicate. It's the very moment that they have to dig deeper than the surface to find words, and at the same time, it's a moment when they want to communicate very badly. They're digging deep and projecting out at the same time.

The trouble with words is that they give us the illusory sense that we are making ourselves understood as well as understanding what others are saying. However, when we turn around and come face-to-face with our destiny, we discover that words are not enough.

In good speaking, should not the mind of the speaker know the truth of the matter about which he is to speak.

When you have well thought out your subject, words will come spontaneously.

That is not good language which all understand not.

At every moment where language can't go, that's your mind.

Typing is no substitute for thinking.

A limited vocabulary, but one with which you can make numerous combinations, is better than thirty thousand words that only hamper the action of the mind.

Definite speech means clarity of mind.

If you can't get yourself understood, you may have trouble, so you need some interpretation every now and again wherever you might be.

Arguments are like eels: however logical, they may slip from the minds weak grasp unless fixed there by imagery and style.

Good writing ... involves the agony of turning profoundly difficult thoughts into lucid form, then forcing them into the tight-fitting uniform of language, making them visible and clear.

The real problem in speech is not precise language. The problem is clear language.

It is a fault to wish to be understood before we have made ourselves clear to ourselves.