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Advice Quote by Will Carleton

“Boys flying kites haul in their white winged birds; You can't do that way when you're flying words. Careful with fire, is good advice we know Careful with words, is ten times doubly so. Thoughts unexpressed may sometimes fall back dead; But God Himself can't kill them when they're said.” quote by Will Carleton
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“Boys flying kites haul in their white winged birds; You can't do that way when you're flying words. Careful with fire, is good advice we know Careful with words, is ten times doubly so. Thoughts unexpressed may sometimes fall back dead; But God Himself can't kill them when they're said.”

Will Carleton

About This Quote

Source Poem: "The Power of Words", 1885

Unspoken thoughts can linger dangerously; spoken words, once released, cannot be undone, even by divine power.

In simple terms: Words once spoken cannot be taken back.

Key Takeaway

Think before you speak.

Themes

responsibility language consequence

Mood

reflective serious

Type

poem philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • public speaking
  • writing
  • social media

Key Concepts

ethics of speech self‑censorship impact of language

Questions to Reflect On

  • What words have you regretted saying?
  • How can you balance honesty with caution?
A Different Perspective

Silence can also cause harm; words may be misread.

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