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About this quote

What does it mean?
Speaking too much leads to everything being recorded permanently.
In plain terms
People talk a lot but regret what gets written down.
What can you take from it?
Be careful what you say if it might be saved.

Where it applies

  • reflecting on public speaking
  • writing memoirs
  • cautionary tale

Putting it to work

  • reminding about digital footprint
  • editing work

Questions to consider

  • Should everything be written down?
  • How do we manage speech?

Another view

It ignores that writing can also preserve good thoughts.

More from John Ashbery

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