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About this quote

What does it mean?
Much of the world's trouble comes from words. Miscommunication and rhetoric cause harm.
In plain terms
Many problems start with words and how we use them.
What can you take from it?
Be careful with words to avoid trouble.

Where it applies

  • negotiation
  • public speech
  • writing

Putting it to work

  • choose words carefully
  • clarify before acting

Questions to consider

  • Can words fix problems?
  • What words cause most trouble?

Another view

Actions often cause more harm than words.

More from Edmund Burke

  1. Turn over a new leaf.

    Permalink to quote #39
  2. When Croft's 'Life of Dr. Young' was spoken of as a good imitation of Dr. Johnson's style, 'No, no,' said he, 'it is not a good imitation of Johnson; it has al…

    Permalink to quote #41
  3. The tyranny of a multitude is a multiplied tyranny.

    Permalink to quote #38

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