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About this quote

What does it mean?
Southey warns that harmful words eventually return to harm the speaker.
In plain terms
Harmful words come back to harm you.
What can you take from it?
Avoid harmful speech.

Where it applies

  • conflict
  • discussion
  • judgment

Putting it to work

  • think before speaking
  • avoid insults
  • resolve peacefully

Questions to consider

  • Have words ever backfired?
  • Is intent enough?

Another view

Sometimes words cause no immediate harm.

More from Robert Southey

  1. 'Great news! bloody news!' cried a newsman; The Devil said, 'Stop, let me see!' 'Great news? bloody news?' thought the Devil; 'The bloodier the better for me.'

    Permalink to quote #29
  2. They sin who tell us love can die; With life all other passions fly, All others are but vanity.

    Permalink to quote #31
  3. At this good news, so great The Devil's pleasure grew, That, with a joyful swish, he rent The hole where his tail came through.

    Permalink to quote #28

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