“Words need only carry the meaning through.” The line appears in the “Duke Ling of Wei” chapter of The Analects. Here, “words” means verbal expression, while “carry through” means making the intended sense intelligible. The brief passage is not a demand for crude language. It says that expression must first let another person understand accurately, rather than hiding the point beneath ornament.
When writing an email, report or explanation today, short is not automatically clear. Removing necessary conditions may create misunderstanding. Conversely, piling up jargon and polished phrases may add no understanding. The line offers a plain test: style may be carefully made, but it should serve the meaning’s arrival.
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