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About this quote

What does it mean?
Do not speak negatively about others unless you know it for sure, and if you do, question your motive.
In plain terms
Don't speak ill of anyone unless you know it for sure, and ask why you tell it.
What can you take from it?
Verify rumors and check your reasons before sharing them.

Where it applies

  • office talk
  • social circles
  • media consumption

Putting it to work

  • fact-check rumors
  • evaluate speech motives

Questions to consider

  • Why do you share this?
  • Is this information verified?

Another view

Sometimes silence can hide necessary truths.

More from Johann Kaspar Lavater

  1. Conscience is the sentinel of virtue.

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  2. He submits to be seen through a microscope, who suffers himself to be caught in a fit of passion.

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  3. Action, looks, words, steps, form the alphabet by which you may spell character.

    Permalink to quote #14

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