John Bunyan Quotes

Speak properly, and in as few words as you can, but always plainly; for the end of speech is not ostentation, but to be understood.

I never want to confuse people or go over their heads.

Simple and to the point is always the best way to get your point across.

I've simplified much more in my writing. I say what I've got to say, not in metaphor.

My favourite writers are always great storytellers, like Bruce Springsteen; I adore Bruce Springsteen. I feel like he doesn't beat around the bush, and he doesn't overcomplicate things. He puts things into layman's terms and tells stories that anyone can understand.

Uncommon things must be said in common words.

Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.

Say what you have to say in the fewest possible words.

The chief virtue that language can have is clearness, and nothing detracts from it so much as the use of unfamiliar words.

I analyse in my own way, in very simple, no-jargon language. If somebody is talking in very complicated way, I never like that.

True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing but what is necessary.

Say only a little but say it well.

Less is almost always better than more. Short words, short sentences, short speeches.

It is not necessary for a preacher to express all his thoughts in one sermon. A preacher should have three principles: first, to make a good beginning, and not spend time with many words before coming to the point; secondly, to say that which belongs to the subject in chief, and avoid strange and foreign thoughts; thirdly, to stop at the proper time.

Everything that can be said, can be said clearly.

I see but one rule: to be clear.

I am utterly opposed to all equivocation or obscure expressions in our public acts. We are bound to say plainly what we mean to say. If we mean negotiation and compromise, let us say it distinctly and plainly instead of sending to the President a resolution on which he may put whatever interpretation he pleases.

Good writing does not come from verbiage but from words.

Minimalism has a connotation of being reductive, and not in the best way. 'Brevetist' is a better term. I'm trying to be as concise as possible and still getting across to the reader. When information is delivered in that way, it is very satisfying to me.

Making noise is easy; making stuff people understand is an easy thing to do.

There are writers who pour out words, concepts that sound really important but that basically say nothing. I always tried to be as concise as possible, all to try and reach everyone, but especially the simple people, those who needed to be reached more than anyone else.

It seems to me that politicians ought to use the same words as other people.

I believe if you want to convey a complex philosophy, it's advisable to keep it simple: day-to-day lingo.

However old-fashioned and right-wing this may sound, the American genius for language lies in understatement, in saying things simply, pointedly and quickly, and in making new and clean and swift what otherwise might be ponderous, round and slow.

Aim for brevity while avoiding jargon.