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Wisdom

Zeno's Wisdom on the Power of Words

December 4, 2022

December 4, 2022

A silhouette of two friends chatting at a lake
A silhouette of two friends chatting at a lake

In the words of the ancient Stoic philosopher Zeno, "Better to trip with the feet than with the tongue." This simple yet profound statement speaks to the power of our words and the importance of being mindful of what we say.

In today's fast-paced world, it's all too easy to let our tongues run away with us, speaking without thinking and causing hurt or harm to those around us. We may lash out in anger or frustration, or we may simply speak carelessly, not considering the impact of our words.

But as Zeno reminds us, it's better to stumble physically than to stumble with our words. A misstep with our feet may cause us to trip or fall, but it's unlikely to cause lasting damage. On the other hand, a thoughtless word can cut deep and leave a lasting wound.

So the next time you're tempted to speak without thinking, remember Zeno's wise words and take a moment to consider the potential consequences of your words. Better to trip with the feet than with the tongue. Let us all strive to speak with kindness and mindfulness, knowing that our words have the power to either build up or tear down.

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Mini Stoic Blog
Mini Stoic Blog