Truth is the most valuable thing we have. Let us economize it.

"Truth is the most valuable thing we have. Let us economize it." So spoke Samuel Clemens, whom the world remembers as Mark Twain, master of wit and wisdom, speaker of words that cut like a sword yet linger like a song. This saying, though wrapped in jest, bears the weight of ages, for it teaches us how men and women should carry their words in a world overflowing with noise. Twain, with his sharp eye upon the follies of humankind, reminds us that truth is not endless, not to be squandered lightly, but to be offered with reverence, like bread at a sacred table.

The ancients taught that speech is power, and power, when ungoverned, devours itself. To economize truth is not to lie, nor to hoard it with miser’s hands, but to speak it wisely, sparingly, with the judgment of one who knows the weight of words. For a man who flings the truth at all times, like coins scattered on the road, soon finds that his words lose their worth. Truth, when overused, becomes as common as dust; when spoken with care, it shines as gold.

Consider the tale of Socrates, who walked the streets of Athens questioning merchants, youths, and statesmen alike. His method was not to overwhelm with torrents of truth but to uncover, through questions, the small spark that lay hidden in others’ hearts. He knew that men cannot drink the sea at once, but only cup by cup. Thus he economized truth—not by withholding, but by portioning it, lest the soul choke upon its excess.

History offers also the example of Abraham Lincoln, whose words in times of division carried the weight of stone. He did not hurl truth upon his people in every hour; rather, he chose his moments with care. At Gettysburg, with but a handful of sentences, he gave his nation hope and meaning. His speech was short, yet eternal. He economized truth, and in that economy gave birth to a power that no lengthy discourse could rival.

Yet we must be warned: to economize truth does not mean to disguise it. Twain, master of irony, never urged cowardice. Instead, he taught discernment. For truth is fire, and fire, when left unchecked, burns down the home; but when tended, it warms and gives life. How many friendships, how many nations, have perished because truth was spoken recklessly, without care for time or tone?

Therefore, children of the future, learn this wisdom: let your tongue not rush ahead of your heart. Speak truth when it matters, when it heals, when it builds. Let silence be your shield, patience your companion. For silence itself can be a form of economy, making the truth, when it finally emerges, strike with the force of thunder.

The lesson is thus: truth is precious. Guard it as you would guard treasure. Speak it not with wastefulness, but with dignity. Practice listening, restrain your impulse to scatter every thought, and measure your words as a builder measures stone. In this way, your truth will not merely be heard—it will be remembered.

So, in daily life, let each of us strive: hold back idle chatter; choose our words as we choose companions; let honesty guide us, but let wisdom govern its use. In the economy of truth, we do not lose, but gain. For he who knows how to economize truth becomes a beacon—his words not many, but mighty, carrying the power of centuries, echoing long after his breath has ceased.