Once when Phocion had delivered an opinion which pleased…
“Once when Phocion had delivered an opinion which pleased the people, he turned to his friend and said, "Have I not unawares spoken some mischievous thing or other?"”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A statesman worries after speaking favorably, fearing he may have unintentionally said something harmful.
In simple terms: He fears his words might have hidden trouble.
Key Takeaway
Check your words before speaking.
Themes
politics
communication
self‑doubt
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
cautionary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- council meetings
- public debates
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
rhetoric
ethical speech
public perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify the impact of your statements?
- What safeguards can you use when speaking publicly?
A Different Perspective
Even well‑intended remarks can be misread, requiring careful phrasing.