It is one of the worst things of sentiment that the voice grows to be more important than the words, and the speaker than that what is spoken.
This quote highlights a profound issue in communication—how emotional expression, particularly through tone of voice, can sometimes overshadow the actual content of what is being said. When we place too much emphasis on the emotional delivery or the manner of speaking, we risk losing sight of the true meaning behind the words. This phenomenon can be observed in various contexts, such as politics, personal relationships, and media, where appearance, tone, and presentation can influence perceptions more than the substance of the message. In emotional or persuasive speech, the delivery often becomes a tool to evoke feelings rather than convey facts or ideas clearly. Such a bias towards sentiment can lead to misunderstandings or manipulation, where listeners might be swayed by how something is said rather than what is actually being said. The beauty of effective communication lies in a balance—where words are given importance, but the emotional tone can enhance rather than distort the message. Recognizing this helps us become more discerning listeners and speakers, emphasizing clarity, authenticity, and a focus on the content rather than being overly swayed by superficial emotional displays. Ultimately, this quote serves as a reminder to value the actual words and intentions over the voice or sentiment, fostering communication grounded in truth and understanding.