When men think carelessly, irresponsibly, without recognition of the inherent demand upon them to contribute rather to the order of the world than to its confusion, their words and acts bear them witness.
Feebleness of indecision, implacability of human will, biased judgments, and shifting viewpoint are evidenced in ill-considered or deliberately provocative speech, which can be both mischievous and dangerous. Great thinkers throughout the ages have not failed to recognize the significance which belongs to speech, the mighty influence which words can have upon the lives of men.
Let us ask ourselves of the things we say, What is their intent; by what are they controlled? Are they at the mercy of impulse, of passing human opinion, of prejudice and personal opinion, often based on neither knowledge nor desire for the highest right? Then most certainly will the need for their correction be required, perhaps in humiliation and distress, if we refuse to learn another way.
