Three carved theatrical masks in black, charcoal and pale grey show different degrees of frowning against slate.

Original artwork, not a still

Abraham Lincoln

It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The saying contrasts being suspected of foolishness while silent with confirming it through speech. It is a pointed judgment rather than a reason to silence every speaker. The attribution remains unverified.

Context reviewed

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