What is the good of being ready with the tongue? They who…
““What is the good of being ready with the tongue? They who encounter men with smartnesses of speech for the most part procure themselves hatred. I know not whether he be truly virtuous, but why should he show readiness of the tongue?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Being overly quick to speak can attract envy; true virtue lies in measured words, not flashy rhetoric.
In simple terms: Think before speaking.
Key Takeaway
Practice thoughtful speech.
Themes
communication
virtue
humility
Mood
contemplative
cautious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- debates
- leadership meetings
- social media
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
rhetoric
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you stay silent?
- How do you balance honesty and humility?
A Different Perspective
Silence can be misinterpreted as weakness.