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Your tittle-tattlers, and those who listen to slander, by…

“Your tittle-tattlers, and those who listen to slander, by my good will should all be hanged--the former by their tongues, the latter by the ears.” quote by Plautus
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“Your tittle-tattlers, and those who listen to slander, by my good will should all be hanged--the former by their tongues, the latter by the ears.”

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 should be punished, as both tongues and ears cause harm.

In simple terms: Gossip and listening to gossip deserve punishment.

Key Takeaway

Avoid spreading and listening to gossip.

Themes

ethics communication social order

Mood

cautionary serious

Type

moral philosophical

When to use this quote

  • workplace
  • social media
  • community meetings
  • family gatherings

Key Concepts

censorship oral discipline public reputation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it better to silence gossip or educate listeners?
  • How can societies discourage harmful speech without oppression?
A Different Perspective

Punishment may be extreme; free speech concerns arise.

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