To speak ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves. Nothing is often a good thing to say, and always a clever thing to say.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the deceitful nature of speaking negatively about others. It suggests that when we criticize or speak ill of others, we are really trying to boost our own ego or reputation. It implies that remaining silent when we have nothing positive to say is better than dishonestly trying to elevate ourselves by belittling others. The quote also implies that it is wise to choose our words carefully, as saying nothing at all can be considered a clever approach in certain situations.

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