Rational Thoughts on God, the World, and the Soul of Man

Even a fool, if he were silent, would be counted wise; and intelligent, if he held his tongue.
original: "Ein Narr/ wenn er schwiege, würde auch weise gerechnet/ und verständig/ wenn er das Maul hielte." The German text uses the word "Maul," which is a blunt, often derogatory term for a mouth (typically referring to an animal's maw). By choosing this specific translation of the verse, Wolff implies that his critics' constant objections are unrefined or mindless chatter.