“The less men think, the more they talk.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
table of contents
Quote
“The less men think, the more they talk.”
Explanation
Montesquieu delivers a concise and biting observation on the relationship between thought and speech, suggesting that excessive talking often signals a lack of true reflection. When individuals fail to think deeply, they may fill the void with words, mistaking verbosity for wisdom. This quote critiques not just idle chatter, but the broader human tendency to substitute noise for substance.
This insight reflects Enlightenment ideals that valued reason, clarity, and intellectual discipline. Montesquieu implies that those who engage in genuine thinking will speak with purpose and restraint, while those who avoid introspection may rely on empty rhetoric. In political discourse, salons, or courts, he would have seen many examples of individuals speaking much and saying little—a hallmark of superficiality rather than insight.
In the modern age of social media and 24-hour commentary, this quote remains especially relevant. Public platforms are often filled with impulsive opinions and constant noise, not thoughtful dialogue. Montesquieu’s wisdom reminds us that silence can be a sign of depth, and that meaningful speech begins with careful thought. To speak less, but think more, is the mark of a mind engaged with truth.
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