Fire and swords are slow engines of destruction, compared to the tongue of gossip. -Richard Steele
It can spread quickly and kill an honest person’s reputation. It is sad to see modern society embrace such tactics of destruction.
Living in the late 1600’s, Richard Steele understood the power and speed of gossip. Imagine if he lived in the world today. With the internet and social media, this malevolent power of gossip is amplified beyond anything he could have imagined. One misstep, one action perceived in the wrong way, and the world will be crying for justice. Even if there was no crime, one malicious barb could ruin your career and reputation overnight.
How can you survive in such a world? Live above the noise. Don’t be the one initiating the gossip. Don’t be the one listening to it. Be impeccable in how you conduct yourself. If your reputation is all you got. Protect it by keeping yourself to a higher standard.
Life is short, and truth works far and lives long: let us then speak the truth. –Arthur Schopenauer
The Virtue of Justice
What does it mean to live a just life? If right thoughts and right actions equal righteousness, can we be righteous? Our hope is that others treat us with justice. This of course is no guarantee, but it does not change our responsibilities. It is our responsibility to be honest in our deeds and in our words, and that we treat others with justice.
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