An angry man opens his mouth and shuts his eyes.
Cato The ElderRead
We cannot control the evil tongues of others; but a good life enables us to disregard them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We can't change what others say about us, but living well helps us to ignore negativity.
This quote emphasizes the importance of focusing on one's own life and well-being rather than letting the negative opinions of others affect us. Cato The Elder suggests that by leading a good life—characterized by virtue and integrity—we can build resilience against the harmful words and gossip that may come from those around us, allowing us to rise above the petty criticisms and negativity of others.
Themes
Good LifeIgnore NegativityResilienceCriticismGossip
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a motivational talk about self-worth and resilience.
More from Cato The Elder
All quotes →I think the first virtue is to restrain the tongue; he approaches nearest to gods who knows how to be silent, even though he is in the right.
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Tis sometimes the height of wisdom to feign stupidity.
Cato The ElderRead
Lighter is the wound foreseen.
Cato The ElderRead
Patience is the greatest of all virtues.
Cato The ElderRead
An orator is a good man who is skilled in speaking.
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