When to Speak… and When to Shut Up


 When to Speak… and When to Shut Up


The Stoic Journal | By Andrew Wells


There are moments when saying what’s on your mind feels like the right move.

You’re frustrated. You’re sure you’re right. You’ve got something to say.


But just because something can be said doesn’t mean it should be.


I’ve learned (often the hard way) that there’s strength in restraint.

Saying nothing isn’t weakness—it’s composure. It’s awareness. It’s strategy.


When I was younger, I’d let words fly without thinking about the cost.

Sometimes it felt good in the moment.

But looking back, a lot of those moments were about ego, not truth.


The Stoics knew this.

Epictetus said, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”


In practice, that means you don’t always need the last word.

You don’t need to win every argument.

You don’t need to blurt out what you’re thinking just to make a point.


Sometimes, the quietest guy in the room has the clearest mind.

And sometimes, the guy who speaks last ends up being the one people actually listen to.


This isn’t about silence for the sake of politeness.

It’s about using your voice when it matters—not just when you feel like it.


So the next time you’re in a meeting, an argument, or a moment that feels tense, ask yourself:

Is what I’m about to say useful? Or is it just noise?


You might be surprised how often the answer is: let it go.


And when you do speak—make it count.


Want more reflections like this?

Explore the full series at The Stoic Journal.



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