Causes Quote by David Guterson
“You should learn to say nothing that will cause you regret. You should not say what is not in your heart - or what is only in your heart for a moment. But you know this - silence is better.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Other Side of the Mountain by David Guterson, 1995
Speaking without thought leads to regret; true honesty requires speaking only what is deeply felt, otherwise silence is wiser.
In simple terms: Think before you speak; silence can be kinder.
Key Takeaway
Choose words carefully or stay silent.
Themes
honesty
self‑control
communication
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- conflict resolution
- public speaking
- social media
- team meetings
Key Concepts
mindfulness
integrity
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you spoken too soon?
- What could you gain by remaining silent?
A Different Perspective
Silence may also prevent needed dialogue or expressing necessary concerns.
![“The world was incomprehensibly intricate, and yet this forest made a simple sense in her heart that she felt nowhere else. [S]he wanted only her own strawberry farm, the fragrance of the fields and the cedar trees, and to live simply in this place forever. [S]he had fallen into loving him long…” quote by David Guterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8db/david-guterson-8456_live-simply_the-world-was-incomprehensibly-intricate_1708121.jpg)
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)