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About this quote

What does it mean?
It is hardest to speak well when you are ashamed to stay silent.
In plain terms
When you know you should shut up, you try to talk your way out of it.
What can you take from it?
Silence is often a better choice when you feel guilty about speaking.

Where it applies

  • arguments
  • interviews
  • confessions

Putting it to work

  • pause before defending yourself
  • accept silence as valid

Questions to consider

  • Why do you feel forced to explain?
  • Would silence be better?

Another view

Sometimes silence causes more suspicion than speech.

More from Francois de La Rochefoucauld

  1. Il faut tenir a une resolution parce qu'elle est bonne, et non parce qu'on l'a prise.

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  2. Why can we remember the tiniest detail that has happened to us, and not remember how many times we have told it to the same person.

    Permalink to quote #118
  3. Dans toutes les existences, on note une date ou bifurque la destinee, soit vers une catastrophe, soit vers le succes.

    Permalink to quote #115

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