Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Speak only when necessary and ensure your words are defensible.
In plain terms
Only speak if you must and say things you can stand by.
What can you take from it?
Think before you speak and be prepared to defend your words.

Where it applies

  • difficult conversations
  • public speaking
  • conflicts

Putting it to work

  • verify facts
  • consider consequences
  • speak truthfully

Questions to consider

  • Have you said something you regret?
  • When should you stay silent?

Another view

Silence can sometimes be more harmful than speaking.

More from James Russell Lowell

  1. Our papers don't purtend to print on'y wut Guv'ment choose, An' thet insures us all to git the very best o' noose.

    Permalink to quote #69
  2. Things always seem fairer when we look back at them, and it is out of that inaccessible tower of the past that Longing leans and beckons.

    Permalink to quote #71
  3. The surest plan to make a Man Is, think him so.

    Permalink to quote #68

Related quotes

  1. Here profits not To tell the whole truth with clear face unveiled. Often is man's best wisdom to be silent.

    PindarPindar quote #1
  2. Genuinely good remarks surprise their author as well as his audience.

    Joseph JoubertJoseph Joubert quote #17
  3. You know, there aren't six people in this room who know how true this really is.

    Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan quote #42