Tattletales, and those who listen to their slander, by my…
“Tattletales, and those who listen to their slander, by my good will, should all be hanged. The former by their tongues, the latter by their ears. [Lat., Homines qui gestant, quique auscultant crimina, si meo arbitratu liceat, omnes pendeant gestores linguis, auditores auribus.]”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Those who spread rumors and those who listen to them deserve punishment.
In simple terms: Slander and listening to slander are both condemned.
Avoid gossip and its listeners.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- workplace
- family
- online communities
- political discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives exist to punish slander?
- How can societies discourage harmful speech?
Punishment may be excessive; context matters.