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About this quote

What does it mean?
Words gain power and beauty when spoken by someone of genuine character.
In plain terms
Good words sound better when a good person says them.
What can you take from it?
Credibility comes from the person speaking, not just the words.

Where it applies

  • public speaking
  • giving advice
  • making promises

Putting it to work

  • build trust
  • speak with integrity
  • choose role models

Questions to consider

  • Who do you trust to speak truth?
  • Do your words match your character?

Another view

Bad words spoken by good people still do harm.

More from Robert Louis Stevenson

  1. I will make you brooches and toys for your delight Of bird-song at morning and star-shine at night.

    Permalink to quote #62
  2. In the highlands, in the country places, Where the old plain men have rosy faces, And the young fair maidens Quiet eyes.

    Permalink to quote #64
  3. The untented Kosmos my abode, I pass, a wilful stranger: My mistress still the open road And the bright eyes of danger.

    Permalink to quote #61

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