Reproach is infinite, and knows no end So voluble a weapon…
“Reproach is infinite, and knows no end So voluble a weapon is the tongue; Wounded, we wound; and neither side can fail For every man has equal strength to rail.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Conflict is endless; speech can wound as much as weapons, and both sides suffer equally.
In simple terms: Words can be as harmful as weapons.
Key Takeaway
Choose words carefully.
Themes
conflict
communication
mutual harm
balance
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
classical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- personal arguments
- media commentary
Key Concepts
rhetoric
ethical discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you speak?
- How to mitigate harmful speech?
A Different Perspective
Silence can also cause harm.