Silence is an ornament for women.
SophoclesRead
It's impossible to speak what it is not noble to do.
Interpretation
Noble actions should be the foundation of our speech and expression.
This quote by Sophocles emphasizes the profound connection between our words and our actions, suggesting that true nobility is not just in deed but also in the honesty of what we communicate. Speaking about noble concepts demands that our actions align with those ideals; if we fail to act nobly, we lack the authenticity to speak of such virtues.
In practice
In a motivational speech about integrity, one might use this quote to remind others of the importance of aligning their words with their deeds.
Silence is an ornament for women.
None love the messenger who brings bad news.
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.
Not even Ares battles against necessity.
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.
There is nothing more hateful than bad advice.
The Ego is an exquisite instrument. Enjoy it, use it--just don't get lost in it.
What should we think of someone who never admits error, never entertains doubt but adheres unflinchingly to the same ideas all his life, regardless of new evidence? Doubt and skepticism are signs of rationality. When we are too certain of our opinions, we run the risk of ignoring any evidence that conflicts with our views. It is doubt that shows we are still thinking, still willing to reexamine hardened beliefs when confronted with new facts and new evidence.
Dream, rather than let yourself be dreamt
Of my fifty-seven years I have applied at least thirty to forgetting most of what I have learned or read. Since then, I have acquired a certain ease and cheer which I should never again like to be without. (...) I have stored little in my memory, but I can apply that little, and it is of use in many and varied emergencies. I keep it in order, but resist every attempt to increase its dead weight.
Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory.
Defeat in doing right is nevertheless victory.
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