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To swear, except when necessary, is becoming to an honorable man.
Quintilian
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Using vulgar language should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, as it diminishes one's honor.

Quintilian emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's dignity and honor through language. He suggests that swearing is a mark of lack of restraint and respectability, and should only be employed in extreme circumstances where it may be deemed necessary for emphasis or emotional expression.

Themes

SwearingHonorLanguageDignityRestraint

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about maintaining decorum in public discourse.

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