The pain of dispute exceeds by much its utility. All disputation makes the mind deaf; and when people are deaf I am dumb.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Arguments often cause more harm than good and make people less open to listening.
- In plain terms
- Arguing hurts more than it helps and stops people from listening.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid pointless disputes to keep communication open.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is a dispute actually useful?
Another view
Some conflicts must be addressed directly to resolve issues.
More from Joseph Joubert
The mind conceives with pain, but it brings forth with delight.
Permalink to quote #65 The passions of the young are vices in the old.
Permalink to quote #67 The evening of a well-spent life brings its lamps with it.
Permalink to quote #64
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