I strive to be brief, and I become obscure

I strive to be brief, and I become obscure

Baltasar Gracian, a Spanish Jesuit and baroque prose writer, is known for his concise and profound aphorisms that offer insights into human nature and the complexities of life. One of his most famous quotes is "I strive to be brief, and I become obscure," which encapsulates the challenge of balancing brevity with clarity in communication.

Gracian's statement reflects the tension between conciseness and comprehensibility in writing. While brevity is often valued for its ability to convey ideas succinctly and efficiently, it can also lead to ambiguity and confusion if not executed properly. Gracian acknowledges the difficulty of striking this balance, as his efforts to condense his thoughts may inadvertently result in obscurity for the reader.