"An open mind is really a mark of foolishness, like an open mouth. Mouths and minds were made to shut; they were made to open only in order to shut."
— G. K. Chesterton

January 1, 1970

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Added on April 10, 2026
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AphoristsLiterary criticsPhilosophers from EnglandChristian apologistsArt critics
Original Language: English

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Original quote: — For my friend said that he opened his intellect as the sun opens the fans of a palm tree, opening for opening's sake, opening infinitely for ever. But I said that I opened my intellect as I opened my mouth, in order to shut it again on something solid. I was doing it at the moment. And as I truly pointed out, it would look uncommonly silly if I went on opening my mouth infinitely, for ever and ever. — The Extraordinary Cabman, one of many essays collected in Tremendous Trifles