Stoic Coffee Break

“First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.” 

― EpictetusShow Notes:Have you ever been around someone that uses words they don’t understand?How many times have you said something, then had to say, “Well, what I really meant was….”?What if we took time to make sure that we were saying what we really meant?How many arguments could be cut short if we stopped, thought about what we wanted and what we were trying to convey, and clearly expressed what we really meant or felt?How many flame wars on facebook could be avoided if we took time to be sure that what we say is really what we mean?The specificity of language is something that is really important.Because everyone gives meaning to the things that are said, things are easily misinterpreted or twisted by emotion in the moment.The more clear that we can be from the outset, the better our communication will be.And while this quote talks about making sure that are clear about what we say, I think we also need to be sure that we are saying what we re