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Hush! Check those words. Do not cure ill with ill and make your pain still heavier than it is.
Sophocles
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Avoid escalating problems by responding negatively to negativity.

This quote from Sophocles emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our words and actions, particularly in times of distress. Responding to negativity with more negativity only aggravates the situation and can lead to increased pain or suffering, suggesting that one should seek healing and understanding rather than perpetuating harm.

Themes

PainWisdomNegativityCommunicationHealing

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about conflict resolution, one could use this quote to encourage diplomacy.

More from Sophocles

Silence is an ornament for women.
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None love the messenger who brings bad news.
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All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride.
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Not even Ares battles against necessity.
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You clearly hate to yield, but you will regret it when your anger has passed. Such natures are justly the hardest for themselves to bear.
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There is nothing more hateful than bad advice.
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