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Who can calculate the wounds inflicted, their depth and pain, by harsh and mean words spoken in anger? How pitiful a sight is a man who is strong in many ways but who loses all control of himself when some little thing, usually of no significant consequence, disturbs his equanimity.
Gordon B. Hinckley
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Harsh words spoken in anger can cause deep emotional pain, and losing control over minor disturbances highlights one's weakness.

This quote emphasizes the significant impact that angry words can have on individuals, pointing out that even the strongest among us can falter under stress. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of our responses to trivial issues, as they can lead to regrettable actions that hurt ourselves and others.

Themes

AngerWordsControlPainEquanimity

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote in a speech about emotional intelligence.

More from Gordon B. Hinckley

You can be excellent in every way. You can be first class. There is no need for you to be a scrub. Respect yourself. Do not feel sorry for yourself. Do not dwell on unkind things others may say about you. Polish and refine whatever talents the Lord has given you. Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great and strong purpose in your heart. Love life and look for its opportunities.
Gordon B. HinckleyRead
There cannot be peace where there is not trust; there cannot be freedom where there is not loyalty
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I have seen miracles in my time, my brothers and sisters. The greatest miracle of all, I believe, is the transformation that comes into the life of a man or a woman who accepts the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and tries to live it in his or her life.
Gordon B. HinckleyRead
People who carry in their hearts a strong conviction concerning the living reality of the Almighty and their accountability to Him for what they do with their lives are far less likely to become enmeshed in problems that inevitably weaken society.
Gordon B. HinckleyRead
Don’t be gloomy. Do not dwell on unkind things. Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. Even if you are not happy, put a smile on your face. ‘Accentuate the positive.’ Look a little deeper for the good. Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, with great and strong purpose in your heart. Love life.
Gordon B. HinckleyRead
There is no substitute for virtue. Keep your thoughts virtuous. Rise above the filth that's all around you in this world and stand tall in strength and virtue. You can do this and you will be happier for it for as long as you live. God bless you in cherishing, developing and holding on to this great gift, the quality of personal virtue.
Gordon B. HinckleyRead

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