We have nothing to fear but fear itself.
—Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945) American Head of State, Lawyer
Examine what is said, not him who speaks.
—Arabic Proverb
A world community can only exist with world communication, which means something more than extensive software facilities scattered about the globe. It means common understanding, a common tradition, common idea’s and common ideals.
—Robert Maynard Hutchins (1899–1977) American Educator
There is no pleasure to me without communication: there is not so much as a sprightly thought comes into my mind that it does not grieve me to have produced alone, and that I have no one to tell it to.
—Michel de Montaigne (1533–92) French Essayist
The fantastic advances in the field of electronic communication constitute a greater danger to the privacy of the individual.
—Earl Warren (1891–1974) American Judge, Politician
Men and women belong to different species, and communication between them is a science still in its infancy.
—Bill Cosby (b.1937) American Actor, Comedian, Activist, Producer, Author
Extremists think “communication” means agreeing with them.
—Leo Rosten (1908–97) Polish-born American Humorist, Screenwriter, Writer
In the last analysis, what we are communicates far more eloquently than anything we say or do.
—Stephen Covey (1932–2012) American Self-help Author
A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker. A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker.
—Zhuang Zhou (c.369–c.286 BCE) Chinese Taoist Philosopher
Rebuke with soft words and hard arguments.
—Common Proverb
The people who shape our lives and our cultures have the ability to communicate a vision or a quest or a joy or a mission.
—Tony Robbins (b.1960) American Self-Help Author, Entrepreneur
Remember, man does not live on bread alone: sometimes he needs a little buttering up.
—John C. Maxwell (b.1947) American Christian Professional Speaker, Author, Clergyman
A Decalogue of Canons for observation in practical life. 1. Never put off till to-morrow what you can do to-day. 2. Never trouble another for what you can do yourself. 3. Never spend your money before you have it. 4. Never buy what you do not want, because it is cheap; it will be dear to you. 5. Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst and cold. 6. We never repent of having eaten too little. 7. Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly. 8. How much pain have cost us the evils which have never happened. 9. Take things always by their smooth handle. 10. When angry, count ten, before you speak; if very angry, an hundred.
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) American Head of State, Lawyer
A phoneless cord is a great device for people who love peace and quiet.
—Unknown
Get in touch with the way the other person feels. Feelings are 55% body language, 38% tone and 7% words.
—Unknown
If then the power of speech is as great as any that can be named,—if the origin of language is by many philosophers considered nothing short of divine—if by means of words the secrets of the heart are brought to light, pain of soul is relieved, hidden grief is carried off, sympathy conveyed, experience recorded, and wisdom perpetuated,—if by great authors the many are drawn up into unity, national character is fixed, a people speaks, the past and the future, the East and the West are brought into communication with each other,—if such men are, in a word, the spokesmen and the prophets of the human family—it will not answer to make light of Literature or to neglect its study: rather we may be sure that, in proportion as we master it in whatever language, and imbibe its spirit, we shall ourselves become in our own measure the ministers of like benefits to others—be they many or few, be they in the obscurer or the more distinguished walks of life—who are united to us by social ties, and are within the sphere of our personal influence.
—John Henry Newman (1801–90) British Theologian, Poet
Something there is that doesn’t love a wall, and wants it down.
—Robert Frost (1874–1963) American Poet
The speed of communications is wondrous to behold. It is also true that speed can multiply the distribution of information that we know to be untrue.
—Edward R. Murrow (1908–65) American Journalist, Radio Personality
There is more than a verbal tie between the words common, community, and communication. Try the experiment of communicating, with fullness and accuracy, some experience to another, especially if it be somewhat complicated, and you will find your own attitude toward your experience changing.
—John Dewey (1859–1952) American Philosopher, Psychologist, Educator
First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak..
—Epictetus (55–135) Ancient Greek Philosopher
There can be no situation in life in which the conversation of my dear sister will not administer some comfort to me.
—Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689–1762) English Aristocrat, Poet, Novelist, Writer
Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.
—Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906–2001) American Aviator, Author
It’s vital the monarchy keeps in touch with the people. It’s what I try and do.
—Diana, Princess of Wales (1961–97) English Royal, Humanitarian, Peace Activist
Two prisoners whose cells adjoin communicate with each other by knocking on the wall. The wall is the thing which separates them but is also their means of communication. It is the same with us and God. Every separation is a link.
—Simone Weil (1909–1943) French Philosopher, Political Activist
Public speaking is the art of diluting a two-minute idea with a two-hour vocabulary.
—John F. Kennedy (1917–63) American Head of State, Journalist
No comment is a splendid expression. I am using it again and again.
—Winston Churchill (1874–1965) British Head of State, Political leader, Historian, Journalist, Author
Speak softly, but carry a big stick.
—Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) American Head of State, Political leader, Historian, Explorer
In saying what is obvious, never choose cunning. Yelling works better.
—Cynthia Ozick (b.1928) American Novelist, Short-story Writer, Essayist
The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit,
And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,
I will be brief.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright