Nature has given us two ears, two eyes and but one tongue, to the end that we should hear and see more than we speak.

Socrates (c.470-399 BC) Greek philosopher
(Attributed)

In Robert Christy, Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages (1887). Unable to find an actual citation; closest is Plutarch, Essays, "On Listening", 39B [tr. Waterfield (1992)], quoting Zeno of Citium: "And it is said that Nature gave each of us two ears, but one tongue, because we should listen more than we speak."

 
Added on 13-Mar-14 | Last updated 13-Mar-14
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