Brevity

[Barrett Dorko]

Lately readers have begun to complain about my short chapters, although in my opinion there is no particular reason why a chapter should be long.

Does one complain to Rimbaud because of the brevity of his verse?

In fact I am old and there are very many subjects about which I have something to say – just not much.

The entire chapter 26 of Larry McMurtry’s Hollywood: A third memoir

I feel the same way.

Brevity and simplicity are companions, and when I can gesture rather than speak, when I can stop a sentence short knowing what I’m about to say is obvious, when I shrug in the face of another’s certainty, well, I do.

I’m old.

[amacs]

Originally Posted by Barrett Dorko

Brevity and simplicity are companions, and when I can gesture rather than speak, when I can stop a sentence short knowing what I’m about to say is obvious, when I shrug in the face of another’s certainty, well, I do.

I’m old.

With age comes wisdom. I get the first two in that both reflect an economy of communication. I am not sure about the third. While a shrug may be both brief and simple it does not simplify, nor perhaps is it elegant which I suggest could be considered a third companion.

I feel old (but not at all wise).

ANdy

[Barrett Dorko]

ANdy,

You're right, shrugging doesn't simplify, it just makes my life easier.

In my nascent wisdom I no longer fight battles I cannot conceivably win.

[John W]

If brevity is the soul of wit (as Polonius perhaps ironically stated), then wisdom can only be gained through a continual effort towards parsimonious communication.

Occam's rhetorical method?

I'm not sure how wise Polonius actually was, but I know I've a ways to go.