“What orators lack in depth they make up for in length.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“What orators lack in depth they make up for in length.”
Explanation
Montesquieu delivers a sharp and witty critique of orators who substitute verbosity for substance. Rather than presenting clear, insightful, or profound arguments, such speakers overwhelm their audiences with excessive length, hoping that the quantity of words will mask the absence of real meaning. It is a satire of rhetorical inflation—where talk becomes a smokescreen for the lack of true understanding.
This observation fits within Montesquieu’s Enlightenment values, which prized clarity, brevity, and reasoned argument over spectacle and empty persuasion. He distrusted those who used language as a tool of manipulation rather than illumination. In his political writings, Montesquieu emphasized the importance of precise and thoughtful expression, especially in matters of law, governance, and philosophy.
In today’s world, the quote remains relevant in an age saturated with speeches, commentary, and content. Long-windedness often conceals a lack of insight, while true depth tends to be concise and clear. Montesquieu reminds us that effective communication lies not in how much is said, but in how well it is understood.
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