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Among a man's many good possessions, A good command of speech has no equal. Prosperity and ruin issue from the power of the tongue. Therefore, guard yourself against thoughtless speech.
Thiruvalluvar
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The ability to speak well is invaluable, and words have the power to create or destroy. Thoughtless speech can lead to negative consequences, so one should be cautious with their words.

This quote emphasizes the great value of effective communication and the profound impact that our words can have on our lives and the lives of others. Thiruvalluvar highlights that both success and failure can stem from the way we use our speech, suggesting that a good command over language is among one's most important possessions. This notion serves as a reminder to be mindful of our words, as careless speech can lead to misunderstandings and harm.

Themes

SpeechCommunicationWisdomMindfulnessWords

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be shared during a public speaking event to emphasize the importance of thoughtful communication.

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Indulgence in frivolous speech not only reveals one's lack of moral character, but it deprives him of good qualities also.
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The true nature of all wealth is temporary; those who have wealth must here and now do good deeds that will live for a long time.
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