People
Learn to say "no." It will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin.
— Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
The speaker ranks the ability to refuse above a learned accomplishment. Setting the short word 'no' against reading Latin gives the comparison its sharpness: a simple everyday skill may be more useful than something that takes extensive study and carries an air of distinction.
Context reviewed