A Test of “Profound Statements”

“The test of the intelligibility of any statement that overwhelms us with its air of profundity is its translatability into language that lacks the elevation and verve of the original statement but can pass muster as a simple and clear statement in ordinary everyday speech.” — Six Great Ideas by Mortimer J. Adler

Definitions

Profundity: the quality or state of being profound; depth

Verve: enthusiasm or vigor, liveliness; animation

Pass muster: to measure up to a certain standard; be adequate

---

Here is a related blog: Misty Profundity