10 Comments
User's avatar
R. Kevin Wichowski-Hill's avatar

I seem to recall discovering that the “one book” one isn’t authentic, but I recognize all the others.

Expand full comment
ShawnPG's avatar

“They muddy the water, to make it seem deep.”

I love this so much.

Expand full comment
Steve Stewart-Williams's avatar

It’s great, right?

Expand full comment
R. Kevin Wichowski-Hill's avatar

I sourced all these for Steve after the fact and that was one of the ones that was a bit "off." The source is probably:

Posthumously published fragment, end of 1883

Und nicht das sind die besten Schweiger, die ihr Antlitz verschleiern und ihr Wasser trüben, daß man nicht hindurch schaue.

“And the best silent ones are not those who veil their faces and muddy their waters so that one cannot see through them.”

Expand full comment
ShawnPG's avatar

It’s gonna be Sooo hard not to use it in my next paper review.

Expand full comment
Steve Stewart-Williams's avatar

😆

Expand full comment
Mike Berger's avatar

Great stuff. I think you are a superb Substacker and merit a wide audience.

Expand full comment
Steve Stewart-Williams's avatar

Thanks, Mike - much appreciated!

Expand full comment
John's avatar

I’m determinedly looking forward to the essay on free will (groan - sorry) and news about your forthcoming book.

Expand full comment
Steve Stewart-Williams's avatar

Hahaha! I’m hoping to get the free will essay out in early August. I’ll hopefully have news about my book in the next week or so…

Expand full comment