# Quotes about conversation

- Quotes: 141
- Authors: 98
- Broader topic: [Quotes about relationships](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/relationships.md)
- Narrower topics: [listening](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/listening.md)
- Topic page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation
- JSON version (same data): https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.json

## Quotes

> Table talk and lovers' talk equally elude the grasp; lovers' talk is clouds, table talk is smoke.

[Victor Hugo](https://www.leafyquotes.com/victor-hugo.md) · [Les Miserables](https://www.leafyquotes.com/victor-hugo/les-miserables.md) · p. 111 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/victor-hugo/les-miserables/table-talk-and.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> The honorablest part of talk, is to give the occasion; and again to moderate, and pass to somewhat else; for then a man leads the dance. It is good, in discourse and speech of conversation, to vary and intermingle speech of the present occasion, with arguments, tales with reasons, asking of questions, with telling of opinions, and jest with earnest: for it is a dull thing to tire, and, as we say now, to jade, any thing too far.

[Francis Bacon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon.md) · [The Essays](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays/the-honorablest-part.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Discretion of speech, is more than eloquence; and to speak agreeably to him, with whom we deal, is more than to speak in good words, or in good order.

[Francis Bacon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon.md) · [The Essays](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays/discretion-of-speech.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Some, in their discourse, desire rather commendation of wit, in being able to hold all arguments, than of judgment, in discerning what is true; as if it were a praise, to know what might be said, and not, what should be thought.

[Francis Bacon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon.md) · [The Essays](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/francis-bacon/the-essays/some-in-their.md)

Topics: [wisdom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/wisdom.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> I find no compulsion more terrible than the obligation of speaking continuously and on the spur of the moment. I do not know whether this has anything to do with my mortal aversion to constraint of any kind; but to be absolutely obliged to speak is enough to make me infallibly talk nonsense.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Confessions](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/confessions.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/confessions/i-find-no-compulsion.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Another thing about grandmother was her believe that a conversation consisted of someone else listening to her talking, so even mild interruptions seem to her to be some strange, puzzling inversion of the natural order of things, like pigs flying. It baffled her.

[Terry Pratchett](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett.md) · [Nation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/nation.md) · p. 82 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/nation/another-thing-about.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> “Now let us bandy words no more,” said mother, very sweetly; “nothing is easier than sharp words, except to wish them unspoken.”

[R. D. Blackmore](https://www.leafyquotes.com/r-d-blackmore.md) · [Lorna Doone](https://www.leafyquotes.com/r-d-blackmore/lorna-doone.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/r-d-blackmore/lorna-doone/now-let-us-bandy.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [anger](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/anger.md)

> Could the man really not have explained? Did his daughter really not understand what had happened? It didn’t add up. If they’d talked about it and figured things out it could have been a happy ending. People in fairy tales never just figured things out.

[Lev Grossman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lev-grossman.md) · [The Magician King](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lev-grossman/the-magician-king.md) · p. 95 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lev-grossman/the-magician-king/could-the-man.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Tell people what you need.

[Nedra Glover Tawwab](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nedra-glover-tawwab.md) · [Set Boundaries, Find Peace](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nedra-glover-tawwab/set-boundaries-find-peace.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nedra-glover-tawwab/set-boundaries-find-peace/tell-people-what.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> People don’t know what you want. It’s your job to make it clear. Clarity saves relationships.

[Nedra Glover Tawwab](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nedra-glover-tawwab.md) · [Set Boundaries, Find Peace](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nedra-glover-tawwab/set-boundaries-find-peace.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/nedra-glover-tawwab/set-boundaries-find-peace/people-dont-know.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [relationships](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/relationships.md)

> She likes to talk, but her mill often shuts off suddenly, because of a quality of hers which I find good as well as rare: I mean that when she has no more to say she doesn’t go on talking.

[Edgar Pangborn](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edgar-pangborn.md) · [Good Neighbors and Other Strangers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edgar-pangborn/good-neighbors-and-other-strangers.md) · p. 63 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/edgar-pangborn/good-neighbors-and-other-strangers/she-likes-to-talk.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [silence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/silence.md)

> She expressed herself clearly, as only people who talk a lot to themselves can.

[Henning Mankell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henning-mankell.md) · [Depths](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henning-mankell/depths.md) · p. 125 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henning-mankell/depths/she-expressed-herself.md)

Topics: [loneliness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/loneliness.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> However, it is well known that most people don't listen. They use the time when someone else is speaking to think of what they're going to say next.

[Terry Pratchett](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett.md) · [Pyramids](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/pyramids.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/terry-pratchett/pyramids/however-it-is-well.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [listening](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/listening.md)

> Know when to walk away, even when the conversation is going well. Putting pressure on your partner to continue a discussion beyond their comfort level shuts down listening, encourages defensiveness, and turns the conversation into a frustrated rehearsal of why one of you is correct and the other dense.

[Peter Boghossian](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-boghossian.md) · [How to Have Impossible Conversations](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-boghossian/how-to-have-impossible-conversations.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-boghossian/how-to-have-impossible-conversations/know-when-to-walk.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Seemingly impossible conversations typically have one thing in common: they're about moral beliefs rooted in one's sense of identity, but they play out on the level of facts (or assertions, name-calling, grandstanding, threats, etc.). [...] The most difficult conversations, then, masquerade as discussions about something other than morality, but they are actually about what qualities, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors individuals believe make them good people or bad people and why it is important to hold the right views among those.

[Peter Boghossian](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-boghossian.md) · [How to Have Impossible Conversations](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-boghossian/how-to-have-impossible-conversations.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-boghossian/how-to-have-impossible-conversations/seemingly-impossible-conversations.md)

Topics: [morality](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/morality.md), [identity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/identity.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Most basic elements of civil discussion, especially over matters of substantive disagreement, come down to a single theme: making the other person in a conversation a partner, not an adversary. To accomplish this, you need to understand what you want from the conversation, make charitable assumptions about others' intentions, listen, and seek back-and-forth interaction (as opposed to delivering a message).

[Peter Boghossian](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-boghossian.md) · [How to Have Impossible Conversations](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-boghossian/how-to-have-impossible-conversations.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-boghossian/how-to-have-impossible-conversations/most-basic-elements.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [listening](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/listening.md)

> She was sick of conversations with people passing through. Nothing you said to each other mattered a damn because you'd never see them again.

[Tim Winton](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tim-winton.md) · [The Turning](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tim-winton/the-turning.md) · p. 134 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/tim-winton/the-turning/she-was-sick.md)

Topics: [travel](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/travel.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> You cannot talk to people successfully if they think you are not interested in what they have to say or you have no respect for them.

[Larry King](https://www.leafyquotes.com/larry-king.md) · [How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere](https://www.leafyquotes.com/larry-king/how-to-talk-to-anyone-anytime-anywhere.md) · p. 28 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/larry-king/how-to-talk-to-anyone-anytime-anywhere/you-cannot-talk.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [respect](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/respect.md), [listening](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/listening.md)

> He’d obviously wanted to tell someone about it for a long time and I was a convenient ear.
>
> I get that a lot. Stephanopoulos calls it my secret weapon.
>
> “It’s that vacant expression,” she said. “People just want to fill the empty void.”

[Ben Aaronovitch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch.md) · [False Value](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch/false-value.md) · p. 158 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ben-aaronovitch/false-value/hed-obviously-wanted.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> 'There's a whole lot of people don't seem to understand that you have to talk to a man in his own language before he'll take you seriously.'

[John Wyndham](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-wyndham.md) · [The Day of the Triffids](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-wyndham/the-day-of-the-triffids.md) · p. 162 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-wyndham/the-day-of-the-triffids/theres-a-whole.md)

Topics: [language](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/language.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> In the whole dark universe, I've met you at this bit of fire, and we speak with each other, and listen to each other. All of life and the war led up to this present time of being here with you. (p209)

[Maxine Hong Kingston](https://www.leafyquotes.com/maxine-hong-kingston.md) · [The Fifth Book of Peace](https://www.leafyquotes.com/maxine-hong-kingston/the-fifth-book-of-peace.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/maxine-hong-kingston/the-fifth-book-of-peace/in-the-whole.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [relationships](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/relationships.md)

> exchanging agreeable remarks for no other purpose than to keep silence from closing in.

[Richard Yates](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-yates.md) · [Young Hearts Crying](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-yates/young-hearts-crying.md) · p. 286 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-yates/young-hearts-crying/exchanging-agreeable-remarks.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [silence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/silence-2.md)

> she talked less, or at least did less of the kind of talking whose only purpose was to fill silence

[Richard Yates](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-yates.md) · [Disturbing the Peace](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-yates/disturbing-the-peace.md) · p. 177 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-yates/disturbing-the-peace/she-talked-less.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [silence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/silence-2.md)

> Why couldn't she stop talking? Did all lonely people have that problem?

[Richard Yates](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-yates.md) · [A Special Providence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-yates/a-special-providence.md) · p. 115 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-yates/a-special-providence/why-couldnt-she.md)

Topics: [loneliness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/loneliness.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Why don’t we talk to one another? Why don’t we huddle together against the cold wind that blows down the empty streets of this city? Once, long ago, there were private telephones in New York. People talked to one another then—perhaps distantly, strangely, with their voices made thin and artificial by electronics, but they talked. Of the price of groceries, the presidential elections, the sexual behavior of their teen-age children, their fear of the weather and their fear of death. And they read, hearing the voices of the living and the dead speaking to them in eloquent silence, in touch with a babble of human talk that must have filled the mind in a manner that said; I am human. I talk and I listen and I read.
>
> Why can no one read? What happened?

[Walter Tevis](https://www.leafyquotes.com/walter-tevis.md) · [Mockingbird](https://www.leafyquotes.com/walter-tevis/mockingbird.md) · p. 114 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/walter-tevis/mockingbird/why-dont-we-talk.md)

Topics: [loneliness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/loneliness.md), [reading](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/reading.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> People organize their brains with conversation. If they don't have anyone to tell their story to, they lose their minds. Like hoarders, they cannot unclutter themselves.

[Jordan B. Peterson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jordan-b-peterson.md) · [12 Rules for Life](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jordan-b-peterson/12-rules-for-life.md) · p. 250 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jordan-b-peterson/12-rules-for-life/people-organize-their.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Humans are always negotiating. That's what conversation is. Someone has something, knows something. Someone wants something.

[Pierce Brown](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pierce-brown.md) · [Red Rising](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pierce-brown/red-rising.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/pierce-brown/red-rising/humans-are-always.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> “I thought debate was supposed to be healthy,” she countered.
>
> “It is,” Auger replied, “so long as you don’t disagree with me.”

[Alastair Reynolds](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds.md) · [Century Rain](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds/century-rain.md) · p. 17 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds/century-rain/i-thought-debate.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> “Only trying to make conversation, friend.”
>
> “Don’t bother—it’s an overrated activity at the best of times.”

[Alastair Reynolds](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds.md) · [Galactic North](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds/galactic-north.md) · p. 104 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alastair-reynolds/galactic-north/only-trying-to-make.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Listen with your ears, not your mouth.

[George RR Martin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin.md) · [A Clash of Kings](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-clash-of-kings.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-rr-martin/a-clash-of-kings/listen-with-your.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Not everyone is worth listening to.

[Alain de Botton](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alain-de-botton.md) · [The Consolations of Philosophy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alain-de-botton/the-consolations-of-philosophy.md) · p. 33 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alain-de-botton/the-consolations-of-philosophy/not-everyone-is-worth.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> When we try to determine how justice can be advanced, there is a basic need for public reasoning, involving arguments coming from different quarters and divergent perspectives. An engagement with contrary arguments does not, however, imply that we must expect to be able to settle the conflicting reasons in all cases and arrive at agreed position on all issues. Complete resolution is neither a requirement of a person’s own rationality, nor is it a condition of reasonable social choice, including a reason-based theory of justice.

[Amartya Sen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/amartya-sen.md) · [The Idea of Justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/amartya-sen/the-idea-of-justice.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/amartya-sen/the-idea-of-justice/when-we-try.md)

Topics: [justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/justice.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> The old adage that polite conversation should not include talk of politics or religion is understandable because both subjects are so heavily laden with emotion that discussion can quickly turn to shouting. Blood is shed over politics, religion and the two in combination.

[John Danforth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-danforth.md) · [Faith and Politics](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-danforth/faith-and-politics.md) · p. 215 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-danforth/faith-and-politics/the-old-adage.md)

Topics: [religion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/religion.md), [politics](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/politics.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> It is impossible to persuade a man who does not disagree, but smiles.

[Muriel Spark](https://www.leafyquotes.com/muriel-spark.md) · [The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie](https://www.leafyquotes.com/muriel-spark/the-prime-of-miss-jean-brodie.md) · p. 92 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/muriel-spark/the-prime-of-miss-jean-brodie/it-is-impossible.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Harry Dresden: I can't believe I'm about to say this. So think real careful about where this is coming from: Have you people ever considered talking when you've got a problem?

[Jim Butcher](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jim-butcher.md) · [Turn Coat](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jim-butcher/turn-coat.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jim-butcher/turn-coat/harry-dresden-i-cant.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Tone of voice is more crucial than words.

[Warren Farrell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/warren-farrell.md) · [Women Can't Hear What Men Don't Say](https://www.leafyquotes.com/warren-farrell/women-cant-hear-what-men-dont-say.md) · p. 25 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/warren-farrell/women-cant-hear-what-men-dont-say/tone-of-voice.md)

Topics: [words](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/words.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> The hard part (of communication) is hearing criticism so it can be easily given.

[Warren Farrell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/warren-farrell.md) · [Women Can't Hear What Men Don't Say](https://www.leafyquotes.com/warren-farrell/women-cant-hear-what-men-dont-say.md) · p. 38 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/warren-farrell/women-cant-hear-what-men-dont-say/the-hard-part.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [criticism](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/criticism.md)

> Sharing instructions about how to perform better for others is very different than sharing feelings about life experiences that make us happy or sad.

[Warren Farrell](https://www.leafyquotes.com/warren-farrell.md) · [Women Can't Hear What Men Don't Say](https://www.leafyquotes.com/warren-farrell/women-cant-hear-what-men-dont-say.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/warren-farrell/women-cant-hear-what-men-dont-say/sharing-instructions-about.md)

Topics: [emotions](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/emotions.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> He knew very well that the great majority of human conversation is meaningless. A man can get through most of his days on stock answers to stock questions, he thought. Once he catches onto the game, he can manage with an assortment of grunts. This would not be so if people listened to each other, but they don’t. They know that no one is going to say anything moving and important to them at that very moment. Anything important will be announced in the newspapers and reprinted for those who missed it. No one really wants to know how his neighbor is feeling, but he asks him anyway, because it is polite, and because he knows that his neighbor certainly will not tell him how he feels. What this woman and I say to each other is not important. It is the simple making of sounds that pleases us.

[Peter S. Beagle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-s-beagle.md) · [A Fine and Private Place](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-s-beagle/a-fine-and-private-place.md) · p. 43 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/peter-s-beagle/a-fine-and-private-place/he-knew-very.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [relationships](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/relationships.md)

> ...the way we talk...you know that our people like to talk around a subject even when there's no danger. They enjoy it, and if they know you well enough they're apt to leave their true subject unstated so you'll have to supply the missing meaning.

[Ralph Ellison](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ralph-ellison.md) · [Three Days Before the Shooting . . .](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ralph-ellison/three-days-before-the-shooting.md) · p. 680 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ralph-ellison/three-days-before-the-shooting/the-way-we-talk-you.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> If there be such a thing as truth, it must infallibly be struck out by the collision of mind with mind.

[William Godwin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-godwin.md) · [Enquiry Concerning Political Justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-godwin/enquiry-concerning-political-justice.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-godwin/enquiry-concerning-political-justice/if-there-be-such.md)

Topics: [truth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/truth.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> In my experience, the best way to deal with such people is to politely agree with everything they say, then ignore them.

[Charles Stross](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-stross.md) · [Glasshouse](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-stross/glasshouse.md) · p. 30 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-stross/glasshouse/in-my-experience.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> “It’s highly disorderly,” he explained, “not like here. There is no easily definable plot, and you can run yourself ragged wondering what the significance can be of a chance encounter. You’ll also find that for the most part there is no shorthand to the narrative, so everything happens in a long and painfully drawn out sequence. Apparently the talk can be confusing—for the most part, people just say the first thing that comes into their heads.”
>
> “Is it as bad as they say it is?”
>
> “I’ve heard it’s worse. Here in the BookWorld, we say what needs to be said for the story to proceed. Out there? Well, you can discount at least eighty percent of chat as just meaningless drivel.”
>
> “I never thought the percentage was that high.”
>
> “In some individuals it can be as high as ninety-two percent. The people to listen to are the ones who don’t say very much.”

[Jasper Fforde](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jasper-fforde.md) · [One of Our Thursdays Is Missing](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jasper-fforde/one-of-our-thursdays-is-missing.md) · p. 179 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jasper-fforde/one-of-our-thursdays-is-missing/its-highly-disorderly.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [silence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/silence-2.md)

> This is why I loved the support groups so much, if people thought you were dying, they gave you their full attention.
>
> If this might be the last time they saw you, they really saw you. Everything else about their checkbook balance and radio songs and messy hair went out the window.
>
> You had their full attention.
>
> People listened instead of just waiting for their turn to speak.
>
> And when they spoke, they weren't telling you a story. When the two of you talked, you were building something, and afterward you were both different than before.

[Chuck Palahniuk](https://www.leafyquotes.com/chuck-palahniuk.md) · [Fight Club](https://www.leafyquotes.com/chuck-palahniuk/fight-club.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/chuck-palahniuk/fight-club/this-is-why.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [attention](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/attention.md)

> It is hardly surprising that children should enthusiastically start their education at an early age with the Absolute Knowledge of computer science; while they are unable to read, for reading demands making judgments at every line.... Conversation is almost dead, and soon so too will be those who knew how to speak.

[Guy Debord](https://www.leafyquotes.com/guy-debord.md) · [Comments on the Society of the Spectacle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/guy-debord/comments-on-the-society-of-the-spectacle.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/guy-debord/comments-on-the-society-of-the-spectacle/it-is-hardly.md)

Topics: [reading](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/reading.md), [technology](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/technology.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Although there exist many thousand subjects for elegant conversation, there are persons who cannot meet a cripple without talking about feet.

[Ernest Bramah](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ernest-bramah.md) · [The Wallet of Kai Lung](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ernest-bramah/the-wallet-of-kai-lung.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ernest-bramah/the-wallet-of-kai-lung/although-there-exist.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> “But even if all the other stuff seems a bit esoteric, just think of all those other avatars at all those other gatherings, concerts, dances, ceremonies, parties and meals; think of all that talk, all those ideas, all that sparkle and wit!”
>
> “Think of all that bullshit, the nonsense and non-sequiturs, the self-aggrandisement and self-deception, the boring stupid nonsense, the pathetic attempts to impress or ingratiate, the slow-wittedness, the incomprehension and the incomprehensible, the gland-addled meanderings and general suffocating dullness.”

[Iain M. Banks](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks.md) · [Look To Windward](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/look-to-windward.md) · p. 245 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/look-to-windward/but-even-if-all.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> He shrugged. “Whatever.”
>
> “Aw, Darac, come on; argue, dammit.”
>
> “I don’t believe in argument,” he said, looking out into the darkness (and saw a towering ship, a capital ship, ringed with its layers and levels of armament and armor, dark against the dusk light, but not dead).
>
> “You don’t?” Erens said, genuinely surprised. “Shit, and I thought I was the cynical one.”
>
> “It’s not cynicism,” he said flatly. “I just think people overvalue argument because they like to hear themselves talk.”
>
> “Oh well, thank you.”
>
> “It’s comforting, I suppose.” He watched the stars wheel, like absurdly slow shells seen at night: rising, peaking, falling...(And reminded himself that the stars too would explode, perhaps, one day.) “Most people are not prepared to have their minds changed,” he said. “And I think they know in their hearts that other people are just the same, and one of the reasons people become angry when they argue is that they realize just that, as they trot out their excuses.”
>
> “Excuses, eh? Well, if this ain’t cynicism, what is?” Erens snorted.
>
> “Yes, excuses,” he said, with what Erens thought might just have been a trace of bitterness. “I strongly suspect the things people believe in are usually just what they instinctively feel is right; the excuses, the justifications, the things you’re supposed to argue about, come later. They’re the least important part of the belief. That’s why you can destroy them, win an argument, prove the other person wrong, and still they believe what they did in the first place.” He looked at Erens. “You’ve attacked the wrong thing.”

[Iain M. Banks](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks.md) · [Use Of Weapons](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/use-of-weapons.md) · p. 417 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/iain-m-banks/use-of-weapons/he-shrugged-whatever.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [beliefs](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/beliefs.md)

> "One aspect of working with you, even of being with you, that I really appreciate is how hard you try to communicate. Human males don't often have that habit." (Shira to Yod, fourteen: BY THE LIGHT OF THE UNYELLOW MOON)

[Marge Piercy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marge-piercy.md) · [He, She and It](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marge-piercy/he-she-and-it.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/marge-piercy/he-she-and-it/one-aspect-of-working.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [men](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/men.md)

> My words never reached him; I could almost hear them drop, one by one, like so many pebbles against a closed window.

[Bel Kaufman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bel-kaufman.md) · [Up the Down Staircase](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bel-kaufman/up-the-down-staircase.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bel-kaufman/up-the-down-staircase/my-words-never.md)

Topics: [words](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/words.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Paul asks how I would have handled a love letter from a student. I don't know — by talking, maybe, by listening. I don't know.
>
> How sad that we don't hear each other — any of us.
>
> Major issues are submerged by minor ones; catastrophes by absurdities.

[Bel Kaufman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bel-kaufman.md) · [Up the Down Staircase](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bel-kaufman/up-the-down-staircase.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/bel-kaufman/up-the-down-staircase/paul-asks-how.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [sadness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/sadness.md)

> The Socratic manner is not a game at which two can play.

[Max Beerbohm](https://www.leafyquotes.com/max-beerbohm.md) · [Zuleika Dobson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/max-beerbohm/zuleika-dobson.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/max-beerbohm/zuleika-dobson/the-socratic-manner.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> He talked and talked, the kind of talking you do to stave off the inevitable physical desire. The kind of talk that only increases it.

[Zadie Smith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/zadie-smith.md) · [White Teeth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/zadie-smith/white-teeth.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/zadie-smith/white-teeth/he-talked-and.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [sexual desire](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/sexual-desire.md)

> Communication – which in the end is what the digital technology and media are all about – is not just a sector of the economy. Communication IS the economy.

[Kevin Kelly](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kevin-kelly.md) · [New Rules for the New Economy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kevin-kelly/new-rules-for-the-new-economy.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kevin-kelly/new-rules-for-the-new-economy/communication-which-in-the.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [economy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/economy.md)

> "Conversations don't get any better as you get older."

[Banksy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/banksy.md) · [Wall and Piece](https://www.leafyquotes.com/banksy/wall-and-piece.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/banksy/wall-and-piece/conversations-dont-get.md)

Topics: [old age](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/old-age.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> The clearest way to see through a culture is to attend to its tools for conversation.

[Neil Postman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neil-postman.md) · [Amusing Ourselves to Death](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neil-postman/amusing-ourselves-to-death.md) · p. 8 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/neil-postman/amusing-ourselves-to-death/the-clearest-way.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [culture](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/culture.md)

> Lettuce is like conversation: it must be fresh and crisp, so sparkling that you scarcely notice the bitter in it.

[Charles Dudley Warner](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dudley-warner.md) · [My Summer in a Garden](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dudley-warner/my-summer-in-a-garden.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/charles-dudley-warner/my-summer-in-a-garden/lettuce-is-like.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [food](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/food.md)

> He did a lot of disputation and he always raised his voice when his logic was weak.

[Sheri S. Tepper](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper.md) · [Grass](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/grass.md) · p. 447 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sheri-s-tepper/grass/he-did-a-lot.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [reason](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/reason.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Writing, when properly managed, (as you may be sure I think mine is) is but a different name for conversation.

[Laurence Sterne](https://www.leafyquotes.com/laurence-sterne.md) · [The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/laurence-sterne/the-life-and-opinions-of-tristram-shandy-gentleman.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/laurence-sterne/the-life-and-opinions-of-tristram-shandy-gentleman/writing-when-properly.md)

Topics: [writing](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/writing.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> The only reason why we ask other people how their weekend was is so we can tell them about our own weekend.

[Chuck Palahniuk](https://www.leafyquotes.com/chuck-palahniuk.md) · [Invisible Monsters](https://www.leafyquotes.com/chuck-palahniuk/invisible-monsters.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/chuck-palahniuk/invisible-monsters/the-only-reason.md)

Topics: [selfishness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/selfishness.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> It does not matter what you know about anything if you cannot communicate to your people. In that event you are not even a failure. You're just not there.

[Saul Alinsky](https://www.leafyquotes.com/saul-alinsky.md) · [Rules for Radicals](https://www.leafyquotes.com/saul-alinsky/rules-for-radicals.md) · p. 81 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/saul-alinsky/rules-for-radicals/it-does-not.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> A key difference between a dialogue and an ordinary discussion is that, within the latter people usually hold relatively fixed positions and argue in favor of their views as they try to convince others to change. At best this may produce agreement or compromise, but it does not give rise to anything creative.

[David Bohm](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-bohm.md) · [Science, Order, and Creativity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-bohm/science-order-and-creativity.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-bohm/science-order-and-creativity/a-key-difference.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> It is proposed that a form of free dialogue may well be one of the most effective ways of investigating the crisis which faces society, and indeed the whole of human nature and consciousness today. Moreover, it may turn out that such a form of free exchange of ideas and information is of fundamental relevance for transforming culture and freeing it of destructive misinformation, so that creativity can be liberated.

[David Bohm](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-bohm.md) · [Science, Order, and Creativity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-bohm/science-order-and-creativity.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-bohm/science-order-and-creativity/it-is-proposed.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> What is essential here is the presence of the spirit of dialogue, which is in short, the ability to hold many points of view in suspension, along with a primary interest in the creation of common meaning.

[David Bohm](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-bohm.md) · [Science, Order, and Creativity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-bohm/science-order-and-creativity.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-bohm/science-order-and-creativity/what-is-essential.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> It is easier not to speak a word at all than to speak more words than we should.

[Thomas Kempis](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis.md) · [The Imitation of Christ](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis/the-imitation-of-christ.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis/the-imitation-of-christ/it-is-easier.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [silence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/silence.md)

> One hath said, “As oft as I have gone among men, so oft have I returned less a man.” This is what we often experience when we have been long time in conversation.

[Thomas Kempis](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis.md) · [The Imitation of Christ](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis/the-imitation-of-christ.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-kempis/the-imitation-of-christ/one-hath-said.md)

Topics: [loneliness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/loneliness.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> There is no such thing as conversation. It is an illusion. There are intersecting monologues, that is all.

[Rebecca West](https://www.leafyquotes.com/rebecca-west.md) · [The Harsh Voice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/rebecca-west/the-harsh-voice.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/rebecca-west/the-harsh-voice/there-is-no-such.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Conversation is imperative if gaps are to be filled, and old age, it is the last gap but one.

[Patrick White](https://www.leafyquotes.com/patrick-white.md) · [The Tree of Man](https://www.leafyquotes.com/patrick-white/the-tree-of-man.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/patrick-white/the-tree-of-man/conversation-is-imperative.md)

Topics: [old age](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/old-age.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> They sat for a moment, regarding one another; neither understanding. As if we were two aliens, thought Blaine. With viewpoints that did not come within a million miles of coinciding, and yet they both were men.

[Clifford D. Simak](https://www.leafyquotes.com/clifford-d-simak.md) · [Time is the Simplest Thing](https://www.leafyquotes.com/clifford-d-simak/time-is-the-simplest-thing.md) · p. 70 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/clifford-d-simak/time-is-the-simplest-thing/they-sat-for.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> '...Conversation should be like juggling; up go the balls and the plates, up and over, in and out, good solid objects that glitter in the footlights and fall with a bang if you miss them. But when dear Sebastian speaks it is like a little sphere of soapsud drifting off the end of an old clay pipe, anywhere, full of rainbow light for a second and then - phut! vanished, with nothing left at all, nothing.'

[Evelyn Waugh](https://www.leafyquotes.com/evelyn-waugh.md) · [Brideshead Revisited](https://www.leafyquotes.com/evelyn-waugh/brideshead-revisited.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/evelyn-waugh/brideshead-revisited/conversation-should-be-like.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> I speak to these people, and I speak to you because I cannot help it. It gives me strength, almost unbelievable strength, to know that you are there. I covet your eyes, your ears, the collapsible space between us. How blessed are we to have each other? I am alive and you are alive so we must fill the air with our words. I will fill today, tomorrow, every day until I am taken back to God. I will tell stories to people who will listen and to people who don’t want to listen, to people who seek me out and to those who run. All the while I will know that you are there. How can I pretend that you do not exist? It would be almost as impossible as you pretending that I do not exist.

[Dave Eggers](https://www.leafyquotes.com/dave-eggers.md) · [What Is the What](https://www.leafyquotes.com/dave-eggers/what-is-the-what.md) · p. 474 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/dave-eggers/what-is-the-what/i-speak-to-these.md)

Topics: [hope](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/hope.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.

[Anne Morrow Lindbergh](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-morrow-lindbergh.md) · [Gift from the Sea](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-morrow-lindbergh/gift-from-the-sea.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anne-morrow-lindbergh/gift-from-the-sea/good-communication-is-as-stimulating.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> We, the most powerful democracy in the world, have developed a strong norm against talking about politics. It's fine to talk about politics with people you agree with. But it is rude to argue about politics with people you disagree with. Political discourse becomes isolated, and isolated discourse becomes more extreme. We say what our friends want to hear, and hear very little beyond what our friends say.

[Lawrence Lessig](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lawrence-lessig.md) · [Free Culture](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lawrence-lessig/free-culture.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/lawrence-lessig/free-culture/we-the-most.md)

Topics: [politics](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/politics.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> I cannot hold with those who wish to put down the insignificant chatter of the world.

[Anthony Trollope](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope.md) · [Framley Parsonage](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope/framley-parsonage.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/anthony-trollope/framley-parsonage/i-cannot-hold.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> He had the true American taste for argument, argument as distinguished from conversation on the one hand and from oratory on the other. The long-drawn-out, meandering debate was, perhaps, the only art form he understood or relished, and this was natural since the argument is in a sense our only indigenous folk-art, and it is not the poet but the silver-tongued lawyer who is our real national bard.

[Mary McCarthy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-mccarthy.md) · [The Company She Keeps](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-mccarthy/the-company-she-keeps.md) · p. 141 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/mary-mccarthy/the-company-she-keeps/he-had-the.md)

Topics: [America](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/america.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> "There are no two men in this world more similar than you and him," she told me. "And that's the worst thing for having a conversation."

[Gabriel Garcia Marquez](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gabriel-garcia-marquez.md) · [Living to Tell the Tale](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gabriel-garcia-marquez/living-to-tell-the-tale.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/gabriel-garcia-marquez/living-to-tell-the-tale/there-are-no-two.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> A question isn't an argument, unless you think you know my answer.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Speaker for the Dead](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/speaker-for-the-dead.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/speaker-for-the-dead/a-question-isnt.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> I speak to everyone in the language they understand. That isn’t being slick. It’s being clear.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Speaker for the Dead](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/speaker-for-the-dead.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/speaker-for-the-dead/i-speak-to-everyone.md)

Topics: [language](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/language.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> My, but I miss the days when we never talked to each other for weeks at a time.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Speaker for the Dead](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/speaker-for-the-dead.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/speaker-for-the-dead/my-but-i-miss.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> [They] knew each other so well that there was often nothing to say. But without her there, [he] grew impatient with his own thoughts; they never came to a point, because there was no one to tell them to.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Speaker for the Dead](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/speaker-for-the-dead.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/speaker-for-the-dead/they-knew-each.md)

Topics: [loneliness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/loneliness.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> There’s so much that we don’t understand. And so much more that you don’t understand. We should tell each other more.

[Orson Scott Card](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card.md) · [Speaker for the Dead](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/speaker-for-the-dead.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/orson-scott-card/speaker-for-the-dead/theres-so-much.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Atticus had said it was the polite thing to talk to people about what they were interested in, not about what you were interested in.

[Harper Lee](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harper-lee.md) · [To Kill a Mockingbird](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harper-lee/to-kill-a-mockingbird.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/harper-lee/to-kill-a-mockingbird/atticus-had-said.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [respect](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/respect.md)

> As you talk, so is your heart.

[Paracelsus](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paracelsus.md) · [Paracelsus](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paracelsus/paracelsus.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paracelsus/paracelsus/as-you-talk.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> You’ll know what to say when the time comes. That’s the art, eh? What to say, and when to say it. And the rest is silence.

[Ursula K. Le Guin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin.md) · [Tales from Earthsea](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin/tales-from-earthsea.md) · p. 139 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/ursula-k-le-guin/tales-from-earthsea/youll-know-what.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [silence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/silence-2.md)

> Except for cases of pathological incapacity, one can and must communicate, and thereby contribute in a useful and easy way to the peace of others and oneself, because silence, the absence of signals, is itself a signal, but an ambiguous one, and ambiguity generates anxiety and suspicion. To say that it is impossible to communicate is false; one always can.

[Primo Levi](https://www.leafyquotes.com/primo-levi.md) · [The Drowned And The Saved](https://www.leafyquotes.com/primo-levi/the-drowned-and-the-saved.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/primo-levi/the-drowned-and-the-saved/except-for-cases.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [silence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/silence-2.md)

> One of the things Ford Prefect had always found hardest to understand about humans was their habit of continually stating and repeating the very very obvious, as in It's a nice day, or You're very tall, or Oh dear you seem to have fallen down a thirty-foot well, are you alright? At first Ford had formed a theory to account for this strange behaviour. If human beings don't keep exercising their lips, he thought, their mouths probably seize up. After a few months' consideration and observation he abandoned this theory in favour of a new one. If they don't keep on exercising their lips, he thought, their brains start working. After a while he abandoned this one as well as being obstructively cynical.

[Douglas Adams](https://www.leafyquotes.com/douglas-adams.md) · [The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy: Primary Phase](https://www.leafyquotes.com/douglas-adams/the-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-primary-phase.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/douglas-adams/the-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-primary-phase/one-of-the.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> There was much conversation, most of which sounded like the rest of it. ~ Ch. 14

[Sinclair Lewis](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sinclair-lewis.md) · [Arrowsmith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sinclair-lewis/arrowsmith.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/sinclair-lewis/arrowsmith/there-was-much.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> The paucity of its vocabulary and syntax is for the Beats essentially expressive of withdrawal from the standard civilization and its learning. On the other hand this paucity gives, instead of opportunities for thought and problem solving, considerable satisfaction in the act and energy of speaking itself, as is true of any simple adopted language, such as pig Latin. But this can have disadvantages. One learns to one’s frustration that they regard talk as an end in itself, as a means of self-expression, without subject matter. In a Beat group it is bad form to assert or deny a proposition as true or false, probable or improbable, or to want to explore its meaning.

[Paul Goodman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paul-goodman.md) · [Growing Up Absurd](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paul-goodman/growing-up-absurd.md) · p. 175 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/paul-goodman/growing-up-absurd/the-paucity-of-its.md)

Topics: [language](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/language.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> It is useless to talk with those who do not understand one and troublesome to talk with those who criticize from a feeling of superiority. Especially one-sided persons are troublesome. Few are accomplished in many arts and most cling narrowly to their own opinion.

[Murasaki Shikibu](https://www.leafyquotes.com/murasaki-shikibu.md) · [The Diary of Lady Murasaki](https://www.leafyquotes.com/murasaki-shikibu/the-diary-of-lady-murasaki.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/murasaki-shikibu/the-diary-of-lady-murasaki/it-is-useless.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [stubbornness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/stubbornness.md)

> You want to talk to someone: first open your ears.

[Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert.md) · [The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert/you-want-to-talk.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Speak for the ear and write for the memory.

[Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert.md) · [The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert/speak-for-the.md)

Topics: [writing](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/writing.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> The talkative person is one who speaks more than he thinks. Someone who thinks a great deal and talks a great deal is never considered a talkative person. The talkative man speaks from his mouth, the eloquent man speaks from his heart.

[Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert.md) · [The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert/the-talkative-person.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> When we speak, we write what we are saying in the air.

[Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert.md) · [The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert/when-we-speak.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Speak more softly to be better heard by a deaf public.

[Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert.md) · [The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert/speak-more-softly.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> The voice is an aid to intelligence.

[Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert.md) · [The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert/the-voice-is-an-aid.md)

Topics: [intelligence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/intelligence.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.

[Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert.md) · [The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert/the-aim-of-an-argument.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.

[Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert.md) · [The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert/it-is-better.md)

Topics: [choices](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/choices.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> One loves to say what he knows, the other loves to say what he thinks.

[Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert.md) · [The Notebooks of Joseph Joubert](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/joseph-joubert/the-notebooks-of-joseph-joubert/one-loves-to-say.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> The techniques of opening conversation are universal. I knew long ago and rediscovered that the best way to attract attention, help, and conversation is to be lost. A man who seeing his mother starving to death on a path kicks her in the stomach to clear the way, will cheerfully devote several hours of his time giving wrong directions to a total stranger who claims to be lost.

[John Steinbeck](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck.md) · [Travels with Charley in Search of America](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/travels-with-charley-in-search-of-america.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/travels-with-charley-in-search-of-america/the-techniques-of-opening.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> "When you argue with a child," she said warmly, "you give a good argument and the child says yah, yah! You understand him and he doesn't listen, so the child wins."

[John Steinbeck](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck.md) · [Burning Bright](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/burning-bright.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-steinbeck/burning-bright/when-you-argue.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [children](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/children.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> The remedy for what ails our democracy is not simply better education (as important as that is) or civic education (as important as that can be), but the re-establishment of a genuine democratic discourse in which individuals can participate in a meaningful way — a conversation of democracy in which meritorious ideas and opinions from individuals do, in fact, evoke a meaningful response.

[Al Gore](https://www.leafyquotes.com/al-gore.md) · [The Assault on Reason](https://www.leafyquotes.com/al-gore/the-assault-on-reason.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/al-gore/the-assault-on-reason/the-remedy-for.md)

Topics: [democracy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/democracy.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> “Have you told her that?”
>
> “You bet I have, but Hiroko only listens to me when I say things she wants to hear.” He cackled. “Same as with everyone, right?”

[Kim Stanley Robinson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson.md) · [Green Mars](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/green-mars.md) · p. 34 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/green-mars/have-you-told.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> And then she was tired of talk again, tired of its uselessness. It had never been any more than it was now: whispers against the great roar of the world, half-heard and less understood.

[Kim Stanley Robinson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson.md) · [Red Mars](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/red-mars.md) · p. 555 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/red-mars/and-then-she.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> The only part of an argument that really matters is what we think of the people arguing. X claims a, Y claims b. They make arguments to support their claims, with any number of points. But when their listeners remember the discussion, what matters is simply that X believes a and Y believes b. People then form their judgment on what they think of X and Y.

[Kim Stanley Robinson](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson.md) · [Red Mars](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/red-mars.md) · p. 77 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kim-stanley-robinson/red-mars/the-only-part.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [prejudice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/prejudice.md)

> Society and conversation, therefore, are the most powerful remedies for restoring the mind to its tranquillity, if, at any time, it has unfortunately lost it; as well as the best preservatives of that equal and happy temper, which is so necessary to self-satisfaction and enjoyment. Men of retirement and speculation, who are apt to sit brooding at home over either grief or resentment, though they may often have more humanity, more generosity, and a nicer sense of honour, yet seldom possess that equality of temper which is so common among men of the world.

[Adam Smith](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith.md) · [The Theory of Moral Sentiments](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/adam-smith/the-theory-of-moral-sentiments/society-and-conversation.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [peace of mind](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/peace-of-mind.md)

> People who talk a lot about their troubles never commit suicide; talk's the greatest safety-valve there is. I always laugh at that bit in Hamlet where he pretends to despise himself because he unpacks his heart with words, and falls a-scolding like a very drab; that's why the soliloquy about suicide is just Hamlet putting on intellectual airs. A chatterbox like that would never pop himself off with a bare bodkin. No, the suicides are the quiet ones, who can't find the words to fit their misery.

[Robertson Davies](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies.md) · [The Salterton Trilogy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies/the-salterton-trilogy.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies/the-salterton-trilogy/people-who-talk.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [suicide](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/suicide.md)

> People who think of beds only in terms of sexual exercise or sleep simply do not understand that a bed is the best of all places for a philosophical discussion, an argument, and if necessary a showdown. It was not by chance that so many kings of old administered justice from their beds, and even today there is something splendidly parliamentary about an assembly of concerned persons in a bed.

[Robertson Davies](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies.md) · [The Deptford Trilogy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies/the-deptford-trilogy.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robertson-davies/the-deptford-trilogy/people-who-think.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> My God! The English language is a form of communication! Conversation isn’t just crossfire where you shoot and get shot at! Where you’ve got to duck for your life and aim to kill! Words aren’t only bombs and bullets — no, they’re little gifts, containing meanings!

[Philip Roth](https://www.leafyquotes.com/philip-roth.md) · [Portnoy's Complaint](https://www.leafyquotes.com/philip-roth/portnoys-complaint.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/philip-roth/portnoys-complaint/my-god-the.md)

Topics: [language](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/language.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> [...] mindful of the feelings of others; and much was said on the subject of rain by both of them [to change topic].

[Jane Austen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen.md) · [Sense and Sensibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen/sense-and-sensibility.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen/sense-and-sensibility/mindful-of-the.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Nothing gave any symptom of that indigence [...] – no poverty of any kind, except of conversation, appeared – but there, the deficiency was considerable.

[Jane Austen](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen.md) · [Sense and Sensibility](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen/sense-and-sensibility.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jane-austen/sense-and-sensibility/nothing-gave-any.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Here was the milieu he loved: conversation! Supple sentences, with first and second meanings and overtones beyond, outrageous challenges with cleverly planned slip-points, rebuttals of elegant brevity; deceptions and guiles, patient explanations of the obvious, fleeting allusions to the unthinkable. As a preliminary, the conversationalist must gauge the mood, the intelligence, and the verbal facility of the company.

[Jack Vance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance.md) · [Marune: Alastor 933](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/marune-alastor-933.md) · p. 245 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-vance/marune-alastor-933/here-was-the.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Freud said he didn't know what women wanted. I know what women want. They want a whole lot of people to talk to.

[Kurt Vonnegut](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut.md) · [God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut/god-bless-you-dr-kevorkian.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut/god-bless-you-dr-kevorkian/freud-said-he-didnt.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [women](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/women.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> People have to talk about something just to keep their voice boxes in working order, so they'll have good voice boxes in case there's ever anything really meaningful to say.

[Kurt Vonnegut](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut.md) · [Cat's Cradle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut/cats-cradle.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/kurt-vonnegut/cats-cradle/people-have-to-talk.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Most English talk is a quadrille in a sentry-box.

[Henry James](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henry-james.md) · [The Awkward Age](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henry-james/the-awkward-age.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/henry-james/the-awkward-age/most-english-talk.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Speech is civilization itself. The word, even the most contradictory word, preserves contact — it is silence which isolates.

[Thomas Mann](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-mann.md) · [The Magic Mountain](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-mann/the-magic-mountain.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/thomas-mann/the-magic-mountain/speech-is-civilization.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [civilization](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/civilization.md), [silence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/silence.md)

> These intellectual guys don't like to have an intellectual conversation with you unless they're running the whole thing. They always want you to shut up when they shut up, and go back to your room when they go back to their room. (Page 144)

[J.D. Salinger](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jd-salinger.md) · [The Catcher in the Rye](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jd-salinger/the-catcher-in-the-rye.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jd-salinger/the-catcher-in-the-rye/these-intellectual-guys.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [intellectuals](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/intellectuals.md)

> What I mean is, lots of time you don't know what interests you most till you start talking about something that doesn't interest you most. I mean you can't help it sometimes. What I think is, you're supposed to leave somebody alone if he's at least being interesting and he's getting all excited about something. I like it when somebody gets excited about something. It's nice. You just didn't know this teacher, Mr. Vinson. He could drive you crazy sometimes, him and the goddam class. I mean he'd keep telling you to unify and simplify all the time. Some things you just can't do that to. I mean you can't hardly ever simplify and unify something just because somebody wants you to.

[J.D. Salinger](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jd-salinger.md) · [The Catcher in the Rye](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jd-salinger/the-catcher-in-the-rye.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jd-salinger/the-catcher-in-the-rye/what-i-mean.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [passion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/passion-2.md)

> Nothing clears up a case so much as stating it to another person.

[Arthur Conan Doyle](https://www.leafyquotes.com/arthur-conan-doyle.md) · [The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/arthur-conan-doyle/the-memoirs-of-sherlock-holmes.md) · p. 336 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/arthur-conan-doyle/the-memoirs-of-sherlock-holmes/nothing-clears-up-a-case.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [problems](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/problems.md)

> Boys and girls in America have such a sad time together; sophistication demands that they submit to sex immediately without proper preliminary talk. Not courting talk — real straight talk about souls, for life is holy and every moment is precious.

[Jack Kerouac](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-kerouac.md) · [On the Road](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-kerouac/on-the-road.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jack-kerouac/on-the-road/boys-and-girls.md)

Topics: [love](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/love.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [sex](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/sex.md)

> Some problems are best let be, not chewed over with words. This modern compulsion to “talk it out” is a mistake at least as often as it is a solution.

[Robert A. Heinlein](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-a-heinlein.md) · [Job: A Comedy of Justice](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-a-heinlein/job-a-comedy-of-justice.md) · p. 132 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-a-heinlein/job-a-comedy-of-justice/some-problems-are.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [silence](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/silence.md)

> Old Madame du Deffand and her friends talked for fifty years without stopping. And of it all, what remains? Perhaps three witty sayings.

[Virginia Woolf](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virginia-woolf.md) · [Orlando](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virginia-woolf/orlando.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virginia-woolf/orlando/old-madame-du-deffand.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> The human frame being what it is, heart, body and brain all mixed together, and not contained in separate compartments as they will be no doubt in another million years, a good dinner is of great importance to good talk. One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.

[Virginia Woolf](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virginia-woolf.md) · [A Room of One's Own](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virginia-woolf/a-room-of-ones-own.md) · p. 18 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/virginia-woolf/a-room-of-ones-own/the-human-frame.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [food](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/food.md)

> On the contrary, it's because somebody knows something about it that we can't talk about physics. It's the things that nobody knows anything about that we can discuss. We can talk about the weather; we can talk about social problems; we can talk about psychology; we can talk about international finance — gold transfers we can't talk about, because those are understood — so it's the subject that nobody knows anything about that we can all talk about!

[Richard P. Feynman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-p-feynman.md) · [Surely You're Joking Mr Feynman](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-p-feynman/surely-youre-joking-mr-feynman.md) · p. 310 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/richard-p-feynman/surely-youre-joking-mr-feynman/on-the-contrary.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [knowledge](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/knowledge.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> How it is I know not; but there is no place like a bed for confidential disclosures between friends. Man and wife, they say, there open the very bottom of their souls to each other; and some old couples often lie and chat over old times till nearly morning. Thus, then, in our hearts' honeymoon, lay I and Queequeg—a cosy, loving pair.

[Herman Melville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville.md) · [Moby-Dick](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville/moby-dick.md) · p. 58 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/herman-melville/moby-dick/how-it-is-i-know.md)

Topics: [friendship](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/friendship.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> An American cannot converse, but he can discuss, and his talk falls into a dissertation. He speaks to you as if he was addressing a meeting; and if he should chance to become warm in the discussion, he will say "Gentlemen" to the person with whom he is conversing.

[Alexis de Tocqueville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville.md) · [Democracy in America](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america/an-american-cannot.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [America](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/america.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> We're in such a hurry most of the time we never get much chance to talk. The result is a kind of endless day-to-day shallowness, a monotony that leaves a person wondering years later where all the time went and sorry that it's all gone.

[Robert M. Pirsig](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-m-pirsig.md) · [Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-m-pirsig/zen-and-the-art-of-motorcycle-maintenance.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/robert-m-pirsig/zen-and-the-art-of-motorcycle-maintenance/were-in-such.md)

Topics: [transience](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/transience.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [haste](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/haste.md)

> If you talk to people, you can have whatever you want.

[David Sedaris](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-sedaris.md) · [Theft by Finding](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-sedaris/theft-by-finding.md) · p. 21 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-sedaris/theft-by-finding/if-you-talk.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Any question of philosophy ... which is so obscure and uncertain, that human reason can reach no fixed determination with regard to it; if it should be treated at all; seems to lead us naturally into the style of dialogue and conversation.

[David Hume](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-hume.md) · [Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-hume/dialogues-concerning-natural-religion.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/david-hume/dialogues-concerning-natural-religion/any-question-of-philosophy.md)

Topics: [philosophy](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/philosophy.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> But I did not yield at once; I enjoyed the process of being argued with too keenly to lose it by a prompt concession; besides, a little hesitation rendered the concession itself more valuable.

[Samuel Butler](https://www.leafyquotes.com/samuel-butler.md) · [Erewhon](https://www.leafyquotes.com/samuel-butler/erewhon.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/samuel-butler/erewhon/but-i-did.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> One can say everything best over a meal.

[George Eliot](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot.md) · [Adam Bede](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot/adam-bede.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/george-eliot/adam-bede/one-can-say.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [food](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/food.md)

> Good company and good discourse are the very sinews of virtue.

[Izaak Walton](https://www.leafyquotes.com/izaak-walton.md) · [The Compleat Angler](https://www.leafyquotes.com/izaak-walton/the-compleat-angler.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/izaak-walton/the-compleat-angler/good-company-and.md)

Topics: [friendship](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/friendship.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> We had nothing to say to one another, and while I was manufacturing my phrases I felt that earth was falling through space and that I was falling with it at a speed that made me dizzy.

[Emil Cioran](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emil-cioran.md) · [The Trouble With Being Born](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emil-cioran/the-trouble-with-being-born.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emil-cioran/the-trouble-with-being-born/we-had-nothing.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> A man says what he knows, a woman says what will please; the one needs knowledge, the other taste; utility should be the man's object; the woman speaks to give pleasure. There should be nothing in common but truth. You should not check a girl's prattle like a boy's by the harsh question, "What is the use of that?" but by another question at least as difficult to answer, "What effect will that have?"

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/a-man-says.md)

Topics: [women](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/women.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Taste is formed partly by industry and partly by talent, and by its means the mind is unconsciously opened to the idea of beauty of every kind, till at length it attains to those moral ideas which are so closely related to beauty. Perhaps this is one reason why ideas of propriety and modesty are acquired earlier by girls than by boys, for to suppose that this early feeling is due to the teaching of the governesses would show little knowledge of their style of teaching and of the natural development of the human mind. The art of speaking stands first among the pleasing arts; it alone can add fresh charms to those which have been blunted by habit. It is the mind which not only gives life to the body, but renews, so to speak, its youth; the flow of feelings and ideas give life and variety to the countenance, and the conversation to which it gives rise arouses and sustains attention, and fixes it continuously on one object. I suppose this is why little girls so soon learn to prattle prettily, and why men enjoy listening to them even before the child can understand them; they are watching for the first gleam of intelligence and sentiment.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/taste-is-formed.md)

Topics: [beauty](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/beauty.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Women have ready tongues; they talk earlier, more easily, and more pleasantly than men. They are also said to talk more; this may be true, but I am prepared to reckon it to their credit; eyes and mouth are equally busy and for the same cause. A man says what he knows, a woman says what will please; the one needs knowledge, the other taste; utility should be the man's object; the woman speaks to give pleasure. There should be nothing in common but truth.

[Jean Jacques Rousseau](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau.md) · [Emile; or On Education](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/jean-jacques-rousseau/emile-or-on-education/women-have-ready.md)

Topics: [women](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/women.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [stereotypes](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/stereotypes.md)

> She plunged into a sea of platitudes, and with the powerful breast stroke of a channel swimmer made her confident way towards the white cliffs of the obvious.

[William Somerset Maugham](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham.md) · [A Writer's Notebook](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham/a-writers-notebook.md) · p. 189 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham/a-writers-notebook/she-plunged-into.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Considering how foolishly people act and how pleasantly they prattle, perhaps it would be better for the world if they talked more and did less.

[William Somerset Maugham](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham.md) · [A Writer's Notebook](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham/a-writers-notebook.md) · p. 1 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham/a-writers-notebook/considering-how-foolishly.md)

Topics: [stupidity](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/stupidity.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> At a dinner party one should eat wisely but not too well, and talk well but not too wisely.

[William Somerset Maugham](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham.md) · [A Writer's Notebook](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham/a-writers-notebook.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham/a-writers-notebook/at-a-dinner.md)

Topics: [humor](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/humor.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md), [good manners](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/good-manners.md)

> In point of fact, however, they were much more anxious to tell him about their doings than to listen to his.

[William Somerset Maugham](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham.md) · [Christmas Holiday](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham/christmas-holiday.md) · p. 247 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/william-somerset-maugham/christmas-holiday/in-point-of-fact.md)

Topics: [selfishness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/selfishness.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> No one would talk much in society, if he knew how often he misunderstands others.

[Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe.md) · [Elective Affinities](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/elective-affinities.md) — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/johann-wolfgang-von-goethe/elective-affinities/no-one-would.md)

Topics: [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)

> Loneliness does not come from having no people about one, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself, or from holding certain views which others find inadmissible.

[Carl Jung](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-jung.md) · [Memories, Dreams, Reflections](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-jung/memories-dreams-reflections.md) · p. 356 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/carl-jung/memories-dreams-reflections/loneliness-does-not.md)

Topics: [loneliness](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/loneliness.md), [conversation](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/conversation.md)