The Importance of Brevity

You may have seen this chart:*

On November 19th, 1863, several months after the Battle of Gettysburg, people gathered to consecrate the cemetary which had been established to bury those who fell during the battle of July 1-3. Abraham Lincoln was not the featured speaker, that honor belonged to Edward Everett, a popular orator of the time. Mr. Everett had spent over a month preparing his speech and proceeded to spend 2 hours eulogizing during which he included extensive quotes from classical literature. When he sat down everyone applauded with vigor (and many with relief).

Finally President Lincoln rose. Less than 5 minutes later he sat down. Almost no one applauded. Partially this was due to surprise that he was finished already; but also it was due to how stunned they were by the profundity of Lincoln's words.

So remember: If you can summarize Life, Death, and the Civil War in 226 words of less then you too can be president!

Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Act 2  Scene 2  lines 86-92  
Polonius Speaks:

My liege, and madam,--to expostulate
What majesty should be, what duty is,
Why day is day, night is night, and time is time.
Were nothing but to waste night, day, and time.
Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit,
And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,
I will be brief:pant pant pant--your noble son is mad: