William Penn, founder of the British colony of Pennsylvania in 1677 (the U.S. state of Pennsylvania is named in his honor), formulated six principles for conversation: “(1) Avoid company where it is not profitable or necessary, and on those occasions, speak little, and last.
(2) Silence is wisdom, where speaking is folly; and always safe. (3) Some are so foolish as to interrupt and anticipate those that speak, instead of hearing and thinking before they answer, which is uncivil, as well as silly.
(4) If you think twice before you speak once, you will speak twice the better for it. (5) Better to say nothing, than not to the purpose. And to speak pertinently, consider both what is fit, and when it is fit to speak.
(6) In all debates, let truth be your aim, not victory or unjust interest; endeavor to gain, rather than to expose your critic.”
Good morning Twitter.
Good morning Twitter.
