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Abuse if you slight it, will gradually die away; but if…

“Abuse if you slight it, will gradually die away; but if you show yourself irritated, you will be thought to have deserved it.” quote by Tacitus
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“Abuse if you slight it, will gradually die away; but if you show yourself irritated, you will be thought to have deserved it.”

Tacitus

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

If you appear irritated, others may think you deserve abuse; staying calm prevents escalation.

In simple terms: Irritation invites blame; stay calm.

Key Takeaway

Practice composure to avoid being blamed.

Themes

self‑control perception conflict

Mood

calm strategic

Type

advice historical

When to use this quote

  • customer service
  • negotiations
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

psychology of blame social interaction

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you maintain composure under provocation?
  • When does calmness become a disadvantage?
A Different Perspective

Calmness may be misread as weakness.

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