Be advised what thou dost discourse of, and what thou maintainest whether touching religion, state, or vanity; for if thou err in the first, thou shalt be accounted profane; if in the second, dangerous; if in the third, indiscreet and foolish.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Be careful with your conversations about serious topics like religion or politics to avoid accusations.
- In plain terms
- Talk carefully about religion and politics to avoid trouble.
- What can you take from it?
- Reckless speech on serious topics brings danger.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is silence safer than speech?
- How much risk does speech carry?
Another view
It may encourage silence over necessary honest discussion.
More from Sir Walter Raleigh
Speaking much also is a sign of vanity; for he that is lavish in words is a niggard in deeds.
Permalink to quote #23 No man is esteemed for gay garments but by fools and women.
Permalink to quote #25 But it is hard to know them [flatterers] from friends, they are so obsequious, and full of protestations; for as a wolf resembles a dog, so doth a flatterer a …
Permalink to quote #22
Related quotes
I never speak ill of dead people or live judges.
Edwin W. EdwardsEdwin W. Edwards quote #4 'We were escorted out of town in a bullet-proof bus because I said a pro-IRA statement in Antrim.'
Dave MustaineDave Mustaine quote #1 Success is the important thing. Propaganda is not a matter for average minds, but rather a matter for practitioners. It is not supposed to be lovely or theoret…
Joseph GoebbelsJoseph Goebbels quote #1