# Chapter CXLII explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

A brief aphorism on the natural design of human faculties, emphasizing the importance of listening over speaking.

## Themes in this chapter

### Moderation and Simplicity

The chapter advocates for the simple, moderate practice of listening more than speaking, aligning with a life of measured action.

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

The observation serves as practical ethical advice for self-discipline in conversation, urging restraint in speech and attentiveness to others.

## Key lines

> Nature has given to men one tongue, but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.

We are physically designed to listen more than we talk.

_The paraphrase highlights the literal and metaphorical implication of the anatomical observation for guiding behavior._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters/cxlii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters