Remember that, as the receiver is as bad as the thief, so…
““Remember that, as the receiver is as bad as the thief, so the hearer of scandal is a sharer in the guilt of it. If there were no listening ears there would be no talebearing tongues. While you are a buyer of ill wares the demand will create the supply, and the factories of falsehood will be working full time. No one wishes to become a creator of lies, and yet he who hears slanders with pleasure and believes them with readiness will hatch many a brood into active life.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Listening to and spreading scandal makes one complicit; demand creates supply of falsehood.
In simple terms: Hearers share guilt of gossip.
Key Takeaway
Avoid listening to and spreading rumors.
Themes
ethics
communication
gossip
responsibility
truth
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
moral
advice
When to use this quote
- workplace
- social media
- family gatherings
- political discourse
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when hearing a rumor?
- What steps can you take to stop the spread of falsehood?
A Different Perspective
Even with good intentions, avoiding gossip can be socially challenging.