Just for today: squelch half of what you want to say.  See if you survive.

Two days ago we quoted Plato.  Yesterday we suggested paying extra attention to whether what you need to say needs to be said.  In case neither of those was simple enough, today just squelch half of what you say.  Don’t worry about evaluating whether you should be saying it.  Just talk less.  And see if you survive.  I’ll bet you will.

Of the things we think, say or do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

– The Four-Way Test of Rotary International

Yesterday we quoted Plato. Today we mention a more detailed filter that might be useful for any of the hyperverbal or impulsive among us. The Four-Way Test was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor, who was in the midst of turning around a bankrupt company. See the whole story here.

Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.

- Plato