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About this quote

What does it mean?
Actions matter more than words, though sometimes words must be retracted.
In plain terms
What you do matters more than what you say, even if you have to take words back.
What can you take from it?
Words can fail but actions define reality.

Where it applies

  • diplomacy
  • personal promises
  • public statements

Putting it to work

  • match words to deeds
  • avoid empty promises
  • own your statements

Questions to consider

  • When must you eat your words?
  • What carries more weight: speech or action?

Another view

It overlooks cases where words alone have real impact.

More from Adlai Stevenson

  1. Laws are never as effective as habits.

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  2. A hungry man is not a free man.

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  3. Communism is the corruption of a dream of justice.

    Permalink to quote #3

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