--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I often regret that I have spoken; never…" description: "\"I often regret that I have spoken; never that I have been silent.\" — Publilius Syrus" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e52/publilius-syrus-594_regret_i-often-regret-that-i-have-spoken-never_1045370.png" --- # I often regret that I have spoken; never that I have been… ![“I often regret that I have spoken; never that I have been silent.” quote by Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e52/publilius-syrus-594_regret_i-often-regret-that-i-have-spoken-never_1045370.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e52/publilius-syrus-594_regret_i-often-regret-that-i-have-spoken-never_1045370.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e52/publilius-syrus-594_regret_i-often-regret-that-i-have-spoken-never_1045370.png) > “I often regret that I have spoken; never that I have been silent.” [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Regret comes from speaking too much, not from staying silent. **In simple terms:** Speak less, regret less. Key Takeaway Think before you speak. Themes communication regret silence Mood reflective thoughtful Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - public speaking - personal relationships - conflict resolution Key Concepts oral expression self‑control Questions to Reflect On - Do you speak more than you listen? - When did silence serve you better? A Different Perspective Silence can also cause missed opportunities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Regret](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/regret/) ## Related quotes > [“Arsenius always used to say this, ‘Why, words, did I let you get out? I have often been sorry that I have spoken, never…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedicta-ward/arsenius-always-used-to-say-this-why-words-did-i-let-you-get-out-i/) [Benedicta Ward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedicta-ward/) > [“We held each other the entire night, no words spoken but the still, silent night uttered so much.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fisher-amelie/we-held-each-other-the-entire-night-no-words-spoken-but-the-still/) [Fisher Amelie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fisher-amelie/) > [A well-bred youth neither speakes of himselfe, nor being spoken to is silent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-herbert/a-well-bred-youth-neither-speakes-of-himselfe-nor-being-spoken-to-is/) [George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-herbert/) > [“Every spoken word carries great risk. Therefore, it is better to remain silent if one does not know how to talk. Talking about religion…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dada-bhagwan/every-spoken-word-carries-great-risk-therefore-it-is-better-to-remain/) [Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dada-bhagwan/) > [A fair exterior is a silent recommendation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/a-fair-exterior-is-a-silent-recommendation/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [“Some words are invisible—namely spoken words—but that only means I read them with my ears. But people are rude, and they often speak to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jarod-kintz/some-words-are-invisible-namely-spoken-words-but-that-only-means-i/) [Jarod Kintz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jarod-kintz/) > [If you stood me in a costume next to a computer graphic of the same-looking character, I think there would be a difference. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warwick-davis/if-you-stood-me-in-a-costume-next-to-a-computer-graphic-of-the-same/) [Warwick Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warwick-davis/) > [If you see me or another model in a bar, wait until you are spoken to before you speak.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jessica-hart/if-you-see-me-or-another-model-in-a-bar-wait-until-you-are-spoken-to/) [Jessica Hart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jessica-hart/) > [The only problem was that I couldn't communicate with Dario. He speaks Italian and I don't. We had a translator the whole time. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kim-hunter/the-only-problem-was-that-i-couldn-t-communicate-with-dario-he-speaks/) [Kim Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kim-hunter/) > [“A truth spoken before its time is dangerous.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/greek-proverb/a-truth-spoken-before-its-time-is-dangerous/) Greek Proverb > [What's hard, it seems, is living up to the words spoken by Jesus Christ, who preached naught but love and mercy and justice and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-weber/what-s-hard-it-seems-is-living-up-to-the-words-spoken-by-jesus-christ/) [Steven Weber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-weber/) > [In this business, there is an insane amount of pressure, spoken and unspoken, to be thin. If you look at some of the television…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kim-raver/in-this-business-there-is-an-insane-amount-of-pressure-spoken-and/) [Kim Raver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kim-raver/) > [Everyone I have spoken with so far recognises the need for the IRA to respond positively and every has said sooner is better than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitchell-reiss/everyone-i-have-spoken-with-so-far-recognises-the-need-for-the-ira-to/) [Mitchell Reiss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitchell-reiss/) > [I like people. That's me. I like people on the street, and I also happen to like other people who have power. But I'll…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-polson/i-like-people-that-s-me-i-like-people-on-the-street-and-i-also-happen/) [John Polson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-polson/) > [Everything comes home, my mother used to say; every word spoken, every shadow cast, every footprint in the sand. It can't be helped; it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joanne-harris/everything-comes-home-my-mother-used-to-say-every-word-spoken-every/) [Joanne Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joanne-harris/) ## More by Publilius Syrus > [Even speed, when we are anxious, seems like delay.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/even-speed-when-we-are-anxious-seems-like-delay/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [The coward regards himself as cautious, the miser as thrifty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/the-coward-regards-himself-as-cautious-the-miser-as-thrifty/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [It is his nature, not his standing, that makes the good man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/it-is-his-nature-not-his-standing-that-makes-the-good-man/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [It is more tolerable to be refused than deceived.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/it-is-more-tolerable-to-be-refused-than-deceived/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [Modesty once lost, never returns into favour.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/modesty-once-lost-never-returns-into-favour/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [One ungrateful person does an injury to all needy people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/one-ungrateful-person-does-an-injury-to-all-needy-people/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [He has existed only, not lived, who lacks wisdom in old age.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/he-has-existed-only-not-lived-who-lacks-wisdom-in-old-age/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [Any plan is bad which is incapable of modification.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/any-plan-is-bad-which-is-incapable-of-modification/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [The evil you do to others you may expect in return.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/the-evil-you-do-to-others-you-may-expect-in-return/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [The power of habit is very strong.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/the-power-of-habit-is-very-strong/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [Take care that no one hates you justly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/take-care-that-no-one-hates-you-justly/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [Poverty wants much; but avarice, everything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/poverty-wants-much-but-avarice-everything/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [He who has plenty of pepper will pepper his cabbage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/he-who-has-plenty-of-pepper-will-pepper-his-cabbage/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [Hasty conclusions lead to speedy repentance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/hasty-conclusions-lead-to-speedy-repentance/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) > [When reason rules, money is a blessing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/when-reason-rules-money-is-a-blessing/) [Publilius Syrus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) [Explore all 455 Publilius Syrus quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/) ## More Regret quotes > [You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-ll-seldom-experience-regret-for-anything-that-you-ve-done-it-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Never fight on the wrong side; you might win but the burden of guilt is more than a loss.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lilian-salan/never-fight-on-the-wrong-side-you-might-win-but-the-burden-of-guilt/) [Lilian Salan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lilian-salan/) > [I don't regret burning bridges. I regret that some people weren't on those bridges when I burned them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-don-t-regret-burning-bridges-i-regret-that-some-people-weren-t-on/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“As parents who make every effort we can to raise our children in loving security, we do not need to feel more guilt than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gabor-mat/as-parents-who-make-every-effort-we-can-to-raise-our-children-in/) [Gabor Maté](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gabor-mat/) > [The only regret I have in my career, is my managers wanted a big payday, and I wanted four or five more fights before…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gerry-cooney/the-only-regret-i-have-in-my-career-is-my-managers-wanted-a-big/) [Gerry Cooney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gerry-cooney/) > [I have no regrets in my life. I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rita-mero/i-have-no-regrets-in-my-life-i-think-that-everything-happens-to-you/) [Rita Mero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rita-mero/) > [When the Lord Jesus Christ became my surety . . . He went to Calvary's cross, and all my guilt was charged against Him.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-allen-ironside/when-the-lord-jesus-christ-became-my-surety-he-went-to-calvary-s/) [Henry Allen Ironside](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-allen-ironside/) > [“Even in the miserable guilt we feel over our beastlike insensitivity, the glory of God shines. If God were not gloriously desirable, why would…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-piper/even-in-the-miserable-guilt-we-feel-over-our-beastlike-insensitivity/) [John Piper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-piper/) > [“For those filled with regret, perhaps the most needful exercise of proactivity is to realize that past mistakes are also out there in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-r-covey/for-those-filled-with-regret-perhaps-the-most-needful-exercise-of/) [Stephen R. Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-r-covey/) > [I would rather regret the things that I have done than the things that I have not.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucille-ball/i-would-rather-regret-the-things-that-i-have-done-than-the-things/) [Lucille Ball](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucille-ball/) > [One of the things I regret about not putting in that book or I think it's there but I didn't really elaborate on it,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-warner/one-of-the-things-i-regret-about-not-putting-in-that-book-or-i-think/) [Brad Warner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-warner/) > [Having no regrets is very unrealistic. Everyone has that awkward or embarrassing moment they wish they could take back.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jayden-hayes/having-no-regrets-is-very-unrealistic-everyone-has-that-awkward-or/) [Jayden Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jayden-hayes/) > [I always had a sort of niggling regret that we didn't come do stuff in America.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-fielding/i-always-had-a-sort-of-niggling-regret-that-we-didn-t-come-do-stuff/) [Noel Fielding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-fielding/) > [I am not perfect by any means and ill be the first to admit I make plenty of mistakes but I wont make them…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-am-not-perfect-by-any-means-and-ill-be-the-first-to-admit-i-make/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“ving self and others is an every second of every day of every week, of every month, of every year gift that should not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sanjo-jendayi/ving-self-and-others-is-an-every-second-of-every-day-of-every-week-of/) [Sanjo Jendayi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sanjo-jendayi/) [Browse all 9,960 Regret quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/regret/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I often regret that I have spoken; never that I have been silent.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Publilius Syrus" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/i-often-regret-that-i-have-spoken-never-that-i-have-been-silent/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Regret" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/i-often-regret-that-i-have-spoken-never-that-i-have-been-silent/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e52/publilius-syrus-594_regret_i-often-regret-that-i-have-spoken-never_1045370.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e52/publilius-syrus-594_regret_i-often-regret-that-i-have-spoken-never_1045370.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e52/publilius-syrus-594_regret_i-often-regret-that-i-have-spoken-never_1045370.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I often regret that I have spoken; never that I have been silent.” — Publilius Syrus", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Publilius Syrus", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/publilius-syrus/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I often regret that I have...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/i-often-regret-that-i-have-spoken-never-that-i-have-been-silent/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/publilius-syrus/i-often-regret-that-i-have-spoken-never-that-i-have-been-silent/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```