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“Then let us cultivate silence.”
Silence is presented as part of communication discipline: not every thought needs immediate verbal display, and restraint can preserve attention and meaning.
Source note: The Simple Life, Chapter IV, “Simplicity of Speech,” Mary Louise Hendee translation, Project Gutenberg #23092; Wagner recommends silence after criticizing needless verbal noise.
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“I wish'd the man a dinner, and sat still.”
The satirical speaker portrays restraint as refusing to escalate a literary attack, answering hostility with a comic wish that the critic’s need might be relieved.
Source note: Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot; Pope recalls Gildon’s attack and presents his own non-response in a deliberately witty, self-defending passage.
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“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Good judgment starts by hearing more quickly than speaking or reacting, especially when anger is close to the surface.
Source note: James 1:19 in the King James Version, pairing readiness to listen with restraint in speech and anger.
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“If your adversary is long in playing, you ought not to hurry him.”
Franklin makes patience part of fair competition, arguing that disturbing an opponent’s concentration displays rudeness or craft rather than genuine skill.
Source note: The Morals of Chess; Founders Online authoritative Franklin Papers text. Rule four continues with examples of behaviors that distract or pressure the other player.
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“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:”
Anger is acknowledged without giving it unlimited permission: the emphasis is on preventing the emotion from becoming harmful conduct or prolonged resentment.
Source note: Ephesians 4:26 in the King James Version, in a section about truthful speech, reconciliation, and conduct within community.
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“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Tone can change the direction of conflict: a measured response may reduce escalation while harsh speech can intensify it.
Source note: Proverbs 15:1 in the King James Version.