WIST Quotations

Martin, Judith -- “Miss Manners,” syndicated column (2014-12-19)

Dave — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:35:50 +0000

Dishonesty is not the only alternative to honesty. There is also the highly underrated virtue of shutting up.

Judith Martin (b. 1938) American author, journalist, etiquette expert [a.k.a. Miss Manners]
“Miss Manners,” syndicated column (2014-12-19)
(Source)

Collected in Minding Miss Manners: In an Era of Fake Etiquette (2020), though with a slight rephrasing:

The only alternative to honesty is not dishonesty. There is also the highly underrated virtue of shutting up.

Antrim, Minna -- Sweethearts and Beaux (1905)

Dave — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:52:00 +0000

During a quarrel, to have said too little may be mended; to have said too much, not always.

Minna Antrim (1861-1950) American epigrammatist, writer
Sweethearts and Beaux (1905)
(Source)

Swift, Jonathan -- “Hints Towards an Essay on Conversation” (c. 1710)

Dave — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 21:39:09 +0000

It is not a Fault in Company to talk much; but to continue it long, is certainly one; for, if the Majority of those who are got together be naturally silent or cautious, the Conversation will flag, unless it be often renewed by one among them, who can start new Subjects, provided he doth not dwell upon them, but leaveth Room for Answers and Replies.

Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) English writer and churchman
“Hints Towards an Essay on Conversation” (c. 1710)
(Source)