Listen much, keep silent when in doubt, and always take…
“Listen much, keep silent when in doubt, and always take heed of the tongue; thou wilt make few mistakes. See much, beware of pitfalls, and always give heed to thy walk; thou wilt have little to rue. If thy words are seldom wrong, thy deeds leave little to rue, pay will follow.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Listening more and speaking less reduces errors; careful conduct leads to a life with few regrets.
In simple terms: Listen, stay silent when unsure, act wisely.
Key Takeaway
Pause, observe, then act.
Themes
wisdom
communication
self‑discipline
mindfulness
Mood
thoughtful
calm
instructive
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- public speaking
- team collaboration
Key Concepts
Confucian ethics
virtue
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you speak up?
- How do you balance listening and action?
A Different Perspective
Over‑cautious silence can miss opportunities.