Quotations Weblog

At certain times in his life, Cato the Elder WAS able to control the evil tongues of others. He was also called Cato the Censor because an attack from him meant expulsion from Rome or self-banishment. He believed in a simple life and was critical of senators and knights who lived opulent and luxurious lives.

The Internet allows people to anonymously say things that they would never say in person. There are so many times when I get a nasty comment or email that really cuts me. I can delete the comment. I can delete the email, but it doesn’t stop my mind from repeating the words over and over. The worst are the articulate criticisms. Sometimes they are helpful to me and I am able to make things better. Other times, I know I am doing what is right, but the well-written words still haunt me.

I have yet to master today’s advice from Cato the Elder. I’m sure there were many times that tongues wagged behind his back, injuring him, but somehow, he was able to focus so much on living a wholesome and moral life that he was able to disregard them. I’m still working on this technique. Until then, I’ll lick my wounds and delete those emails.