Be advised what thou dost discourse of, and what thou maintainest whether touching religion, state, or vanity; for if thou err in the first, thou shalt be accounted profane; if in the second, dangerous; if in the third, indiscreet and foolish.
Interpretation
Be mindful of your discussions as they can impact your reputation and the perceptions of others.
This quote by Walter Raleigh emphasizes the importance of being careful about what we talk about, particularly when it comes to sensitive subjects such as religion, politics, and vanity. Speaking carelessly on these topics can lead to severe consequences, including being seen as disrespectful, dangerous, or foolish. Raleigh advises that one should think critically before engaging in conversation about such matters.
In practice
During a community meeting about public policies, remind attendees to be respectful when discussing sensitive topics.
Passions are liken'd best to floods and streams:_x000D_ _x000D_ The shallow murmur, but the deep are dumb;_x000D_ _x000D_ So, when affection yields discourse, it seems_x000D_ _x000D_ The bottom is but shallow whence they come._x000D_ _x000D_ They that are rich in words, in words discover
Silence in love betrays more woe - Than words though ne'er so witty; A beggar that is dumb, you know, may challenge double pity.
Even such isTime, which takes in trust Our youth, our joys, and all we have, And pays us but with age and dust, Who in the dark and silent grave When we have wandered all our ways Shuts up the story of our days, And from which earth, and grave, and dust The Lord shall raise me up, I trust.
If she undervalues me, _x000D_ _x000D_ What care I how fair she be?
If all the world and love were young,_x000D_ _x000D_ And truth in every shepherd's tongue,_x000D_ _x000D_ These pretty pleasures might me move_x000D_ _x000D_ To live with thee, and be thy love.
It is the nature of men having escaped one extreme, which by force they were constrained long to endure, to run headlong into the other extreme, forgetting that virtue doth always consist in the mean.
Trust no future, however pleasant! Let the dead past bury its dead! Act -- act in the living Present! Heart within and God overhead.
And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it.
Doctrine is nothing but the skin of truth set up and stuffed.
It is a disaster that wisdom forbids you to be satisfied with yourself and always sends you away dissatisfied and fearful, whereas stubbornness and foolhardiness fill their hosts with joy and assurance.
When once you consider an action, do not let anything dissuade you. Consult your heart, not others, and then follow its dictates.
Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory.
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