Skip to content

Common Quote by Mark Twain

“He gossips habitually; he lacks the common wisdom to keep still that deadly enemy of man, his own tongue.” quote by Mark Twain
Download Open image
“He gossips habitually; he lacks the common wisdom to keep still that deadly enemy of man, his own tongue.”

Mark Twain

About This Quote

Source Book: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, 1876

Gossip harms both speaker and listener; silence protects.

In simple terms: Gossip damages, silence protects.

Key Takeaway

Choose silence over gossip.

Themes

communication gossip wisdom

Mood

wry didactic

Type

moral reflective

When to use this quote

  • workplace
  • family gatherings
  • online forums

Key Concepts

social ethics self‑control interpersonal dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is speaking up necessary?
  • How to balance honesty and discretion?
A Different Perspective

Silence can hide truth.

4.4 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Mark Twain

Explore all 3,277 Mark Twain quotes

More Common quotes

Browse all 7,866 Common quotes