“The secret of being a bore… is to tell everything.”
- November 21, 1694 – May 30, 1778
- Born in France
- Philosopher, man of letters, historian
- Wrote many works, including “Philosophy of History,” “De Toleration,” “Philosophical Dictionary,” “Philosophical Letters,” “Oedipus,” and “Candide,” and is known as a pioneer of Enlightenment thought.
Quote
“The secret of being a bore… is to tell everything.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Voltaire’s insight into communication and the balance between sharing information and overwhelming others. He suggests that to be truly tedious or boring, one must over-explain and leave nothing to the imagination or curiosity. The idea here is that part of what makes a conversation engaging is the mystery or selective sharing of details, and when everything is revealed, it can lose its impact or interest.
In modern contexts, this principle resonates with the dynamics of effective communication. People who overshare—whether in personal conversations, professional settings, or on social media—can become tedious because they fail to leave space for engagement or thought. Voltaire’s observation encourages us to be more concise, thoughtful, and selective in our communication, making our words count.
A specific example of this principle can be seen in storytelling or presentations. A speaker who offers excessive details without purpose or narrative focus can quickly lose the audience’s attention, whereas a more focused, engaging approach keeps listeners interested. Voltaire’s quote serves as a humorous reminder that sometimes, less is more when it comes to keeping others engaged and avoiding the trap of becoming a bore.
