Louis XIV (the very same he who would banish Darling Nicky) was legendary for being extremely taciturn; he kept his thoughts, opinions, and fears to himself, revealing his decision only in deed.  After agonizing over matters of state, his advisors would finally settle on a few alternatives to present to the French king, and reportedly his only response would be “I shall see.”

His advisors discovered the king’s decision at the same time as the rest of the country. 

A significant aspect of Louis XIV’s power lie in being inscrutable; no one could predict his motives/moves until they were revealed by his actions.

“The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish.”

“A person who cannot control his words cannot control himself, and is unworthy of respect.”

“It is better to remain silent and thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.”

In 1825 the czar of Russia crushed a rebellion and sentenced one of its leaders to the gallows.  When the man fell through trapdoor the rope broke; at that time such a fortuitous event was seen as divine providence, with the condemned usually pardoned and set free.  As the leader rose to his feet (thinking he had been saved) he shouted to the crowd:  “You see!  In Russia they cannot do anything properly!  Not even make rope!”  As the czar prepared to sign the pardon, he asked if the man had said anything after his failed hanging.  After a clerk repeated the declaration, the pardon was torn up.  “In that case,” said the czar, “let’s prove the contrary.”  The rebel was successfully executed the next day.

Perversely, however, one can use logorrhea to an advantage, by making it seem as though a person is weak and indecisive.  People often distrust silence – makes them uncomfortable – and consider a word-reserved individual to be untrustworthy.  “Beware the quiet ones.”  In certain circumstances it may be necessary to disarm others with words, and deflect one’s true intentions.

Lesson?  Words are weapons; use them sparingly, skillfully, and with purpose. 

Or feel free to ramble.  Eventually, people will stop listening anyway.