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Never hold anyone by the button or the hand in order to be…

“Never hold anyone by the button or the hand in order to be heard out; for if people are unwilling to hear you, you had better hold your tongue than them.” quote by Lord Chesterfield
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“Never hold anyone by the button or the hand in order to be heard out; for if people are unwilling to hear you, you had better hold your tongue than them.”

Lord Chesterfield

About This Quote

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

Speaking forcefully to unwilling listeners is futile; silence is wiser when others won’t listen.

In simple terms: Don’t force your voice on those who won’t hear.

Key Takeaway

Choose silence over futile persuasion.

Themes

communication listening respect

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • debates
  • family arguments
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

rhetoric social etiquette power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you speak despite resistance?
  • How to balance speaking up and staying silent?
A Different Perspective

Silence may suppress important truths if overused.

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