Quintilian Quotes about Writing

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We should not speak so that it is possible for the audience to understand us, but so that it is impossible for them to misunderstand us.

We should not speak so that it is possible for the audience to understand us, but so that it is impossible for them to misunderstand us.

Quintilian

Writing, Simplicity, Impossible

"Institutio Oratoria (Institutes of Oratory)". Book by Quintilian (Book VIII, Chapter II), circa 95 AD.

One should aim not at being possible to understand, but at being impossible to misunderstand.

Quintilian

Writing, Impossible, Language

Write quickly and you will never write well; write well, and you will soon write quickly.

Quintilian

Writing, Wells

Quintilian (2015). “Delphi Complete Works of Quintilian (Illustrated)”, p.528, Delphi Classics

Prune what is turgid, elevate what is commonplace, arrange what is disorderly, introduce rhythm where the language is harsh, modify where it is too absolute.

Quintilian

Writing, Language, Introducing

Men of quality are in the wrong to undervalue, as they often do, the practise of a fair and quick hand in writing; for it is no immaterial accomplishment.

Quintilian

Writing, Men, Hands

Quintilian (1805). “Quintilian's institutes of eloquence ...”, p.15