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About this quote

What does it mean?
Hasty words spread irreversibly and return consequences.
In plain terms
Quick words spread forever and come back to hurt.
What can you take from it?
Think before speaking as words cannot be taken back.

Where it applies

  • conflict
  • social media
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • pause before speaking
  • verify thoughts
  • avoid haste

Questions to consider

  • What words cannot be retracted?

Another view

Some hasty words are necessary emergencies.

More from Thomas Carlyle

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  3. No lie you can speak or act but it will come, after longer or shorter circulation, like a Bill drawn on Nature's Reality, and be presented there for payment, -…

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