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Nature hath given men one tongue but two ears, that we may…

“Nature hath given men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.” quote by Epictetus
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“Nature hath given men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.”

Epictetus

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Humans have one mouth but two ears, implying we should listen twice as much as we speak.

In simple terms: Listen more, speak less.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize listening in conversations.

Themes

communication humility learning

Mood

thoughtful calm

Type

philosophical self‑help

When to use this quote

  • meetings
  • family discussions
  • customer service
  • teaching
  • conflict mediation

Key Concepts

stoicism ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you ensure others are heard?
  • What habits help you listen actively?
A Different Perspective

People often dominate conversations, missing valuable input.

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