Further Economy of Breath and Ink

I can't remember now just what it was that provoked me to write the blog dated 07.02.10 and titled Save breath (or paper and ink) and time, but it may have been this sentence that I came across in an excellent book on William the Conqueror: "For it is by no means easy to ascertain with any precision why it took place."

This might have been put more concisely, perhaps in the form "It is hard to find just why it happened". But of course it could have been even more long-winded: "It is, as the reader may well imagine, no simple matter for the investigator to determine with any degree of accuracy the reason or reasons that such an event ever occurred."

Long-windedness seems often to indicate the writer's (or the speaker's) wish not to seem too shallow. Banality can seem impressive if suitably dressed up. But an intelligent person who knows his or her subject should regard clarity, simplicity and appropriatemess of utterance as badges of honour.

OK, I suppose that might have been more simply put.

Further Economy of Breath and Ink