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About this quote

What does it mean?
Speaking can cause regret more than silence.
In plain terms
I have wished I had stayed quiet often but never wished I had spoken.
What can you take from it?
Think before you speak to avoid regret.

Where it applies

  • conflict
  • emotional outbursts

Putting it to work

  • pause before replying
  • choose words carefully

Questions to consider

  • When did you regret speaking?
  • What do you avoid saying?

Another view

Sometimes speaking up is necessary for justice.

More from Publilius Syrus

  1. Proximum ab innocentia tenet locum verecunda peccati confessio.

    Permalink to quote #49
  2. Speech is a mirror of the soul: as a man speaks, so is he.

    Permalink to quote #51
  3. It is a consolation to the wretched to have companions in misery.

    Permalink to quote #48

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