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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.]” quote by Plautus
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“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.]”

Plautus

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.

Key Takeaway

Avoid gossip and its listeners.

Themes

speech ethics social behavior justice

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical cautionary

When to use this quote

  • workplace
  • family
  • online communities
  • political discourse

Key Concepts

oral philosophy civic responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What alternatives exist to punish slander?
  • How can societies discourage harmful speech?
A Different Perspective

Punishment may be excessive; context matters.

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