"Conceit causes more conversation than wit"
- Francois de La Rochefoucauld
About this Quote
This quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld recommends that individuals are more likely to talk about themselves and their achievements than they are to take part in significant discussions. Conceit, or extreme pride in oneself, is typically used as a way to draw attention to oneself and to make oneself appear more important than they really are. This type of behavior can lead to conversations that are shallow and unfulfilling, as the focus is on the private rather than on the exchange of concepts. In contrast, wit is the ability to utilize humor and intelligence to participate in meaningful discussions. Wit can result in conversations that are more intriguing and stimulating, as the focus is on the exchange of concepts instead of on the individual. This quote recommends that conceit is more likely to lead to conversations than wit, as individuals are more likely to talk about themselves than to participate in meaningful conversations.
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