When your rage is choking you, it is best to say nothing.
Interpretation
It's wise to remain silent during moments of intense anger.
This quote by Octavia Butler suggests that in times of anger, when emotions are overwhelming, it is more prudent to refrain from speaking. Speaking in such moments can lead to regrettable words and actions, and silence can allow for clarity and composure before responding decisively.
In practice
During a heated discussion in a meeting, one might quote Butler to emphasize the importance of remaining calm and not saying something impulsively.
What I'm working on now - I'm back to fantasy, although considering that it's me, I'm turning it into a kind of science fantasy. It's a vampire story - but my vampires are biological vampires. They didn't become vampires because someone bit them; they were born that way.
Slavery was a long slow process of dulling.
Here I was into astronomy, and here into anthropology, and there I go into geology. It was much more fun to be able to research and write about whatever I wanted to.
There is no end To what a living world Will demand of you.
You don't start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That's why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.
Better to stay alive," I said. "At least while there's a chance to get free." I thought of the sleeping pills in my bag and wondered just how great a hypocrite I was. It was so easy to advise other people to live with their pain.
If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it; blame yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches; for the Creator, there is no poverty.
The victories of character are instant, and victories for all.
If you don't like your world, question your thoughts about it.
Some ideas are so stupid that only intellectuals believe them.
I never meet a ragged boy in the street without feeling that i may owe him a salute, for I know not what possibilities may be buttoned up under his coat.
When you blame and criticize others, you are avoiding some truth about yourself.
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