Quotes

Quote 30 of 32

It is a great mistake, when someone asks you a question, to give a
perplexing answer because you think he surely must know, and it seems
foolish to state the facts just a they are.  He may know, and yet have
asked in order to make sure; and besides, why should there not be some
person who really does not know?  It would be more sensible, and sound
better, to tell him plainly what he asks.

It is a careless thing, when writing a letter to someone about
something you know yourself but he has not yet heard, merely to say
that so-and-so has done a foolish thing, for you will get a letter
back asking what happened.

Since it occurs that some people miss hearing the most widespread
tales, what is there wrong in writing and telling him so as not to
leave him in doubt?

It is inexperienced people who do this sort of thing.

#234

Tags: greatmistake foolishthing writingaletter doubt