The first rule, then, for a good style is that the author should have something to say; nay, this is in itself almost all that is necessary.

To have something to say by itself is virtually a sufficient condition for good style.

The first rule of style is to have something to say. The second rule of style is to control yourself when, by chance, you have two things to say; say first one, then the other, not both at the same time.

A ‘good’ style is one which can communicate through signs a certain inner state symptomatic of a certain taste (such a communication presupposing a listener or reader with the same taste).

When you have something good to say, say it. When you have something ill to say, say something else.

Have something to say ; say it ; and stop when you’ve done.

First Principle: Have a point and make it by means of the best word.

Always have something to say. The man who has something to say and who is known never to speak unless he has, is sure to be listened to.

Do I have to say something?

The great rule: If the little bit you have is nothing special in itself, at least find a way of saying it that is a little bit special.

Our first rule is, then, Know What You Want To Say. The second rule is, Say It. That is, do not begin by saying something else, which you think will lead up to what you want to say. I remember, when they tried to teach me to sing, they told me to "think of eight and sing seven." That may be a very good rule for singing, but it is not a good rule for talking, or writing, or any of the other things that I have to do. I advise you to say the thing you want to say. When I began to preach, another of my Nestors said to me, "Edward, I give you one piece of advice. When you have written your sermon, leave off the introduction and leave off the conclusion. The introduction seems to me always written to show that the minister can preach two sermons on one text. Leave that off, then, and it will do for another Sunday. The conclusion is written to apply to the congregation the doctrine of the sermon. But, if your hearers are such fools that they cannot apply the doctrine to themselves, nothing you can say will help them." In this advice was much wisdom. It consists, you see, in advising to begin, at the beginning, and to stop when you have done. Thirdly, and always, Use Your Own Language. I mean the language you are accustomed to use in daily life.

What is the essence of the art of writing? Part One: Have something to say. Part Two: Say it well.

Sag etwas, das sich von selbst versteht, zum ersten Mal, und du bist unsterblich.

Le premier regle est de plaire