"Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt."
The phrase "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt" is commonly attributed to Abraham Lincoln. The sentiment can be traced back to earlier sources, however, including French writer Blaise Pascal and English writer and politician Maurice Baring. The core idea is that it is often wiser to stay silent and avoid revealing one's ignorance or foolishness, rather than speak and confirm those negative perceptions. The phrase highlights the value of discretion and self-awareness, cautioning against the potential pitfalls of speaking without sufficient knowledge or consideration.
There is a biblical proverb that expresses a similar idea, namely Proverbs 17:28. Here is the New International Version followed by the King James Version of this verse:
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
