If any man think it a small matter, or of mean…
“If any man think it a small matter, or of mean concernment, to bridle his tongue, he is much mistaken; for it is a point to be silent when occasion requires, and better than to speak, though never so well.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Silence is valuable when speaking would cause harm; restraint shows wisdom.
In simple terms: Know when to stay quiet.
Key Takeaway
Practice thoughtful restraint.
Themes
communication
wisdom
self‑control
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- public speaking
- online debates
Key Concepts
oral philosophy
rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you spoken too much?
- How can you gauge the right moment to speak?
A Different Perspective
Silence can be misinterpreted as indifference.