A good word is an easy obligation; but not to speak ill…
“A good word is an easy obligation; but not to speak ill requires only our silence, which costs us nothing.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote contrasts the low cost of speaking kindly with the higher moral cost of remaining silent when faced with wrongdoing, highlighting the ease of positive speech versus the ethical burden of inaction.
In simple terms: Positive speech is cheap; silence on injustice is costly.
Key Takeaway
Speak kindly, act against harm.
Themes
ethics
communication
responsibility
morality
speech
Mood
reflective
serious
thoughtful
Type
aphorism
advice
maxim
When to use this quote
- when witnessing gossip
- in a workplace conflict
- observing public injustice
- during a heated debate
- in personal relationships
Key Concepts
obligation
silence
speech
moral duty
Practical Applications
- encouraging constructive dialogue
- prompting ethical intervention
Questions to Reflect On
- What does silence imply about our values?
- How can we balance speaking kindly with confronting wrongdoing?