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84 we know a great deal, and take delight in our own conceits; and then, we strive by a multitude of words to convey to others the same idea, so as to gain an ascendancy over them, as though they stood in need of our instruction. To express in a few words all the evils which arise from much speaking is an impossibility.

Talkativeness is the mother of idleness, the evidence of ignorance and folly, the door of slander, the purveyor of falsehood, the damper of fervent devotion.

A multitude of words kindles the evil passions, and these in turn incite the tongue to continue its thoughtless utterances.

Indulge not in lengthy conversations with those who are bored thereby, lest you weary them, nor with those who like to listen to you, lest you go beyond the bounds of modesty.

Do not speak loudly, or in a dictatorial manner, which is odious to others and a mark of presumption and vanity.

Never speak of yourself, or of your doings, or of your family, unless there is real necessity for doing so, and then be as brief, as reserved as possible. If others seem to you to talk too much about themselves, try to view their conduct in a favourable light; but do not copy it, even though their words may tend to self-humiliation and self-condemnation.