proverb · Words worth keeping
Examine what is said, not him who speaks.
Examine what is said, not him who speaks.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The instruction puts examination of a statement before judgment of its speaker. It asks for attention to the content of an argument.
Example
A group considers the evidence for a proposal even though they disagree with its presenter on another matter.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
What and who separate a claim from a person. A useful application can test reasons and evidence rather than dismissing a statement through dislike or status. Relevant expertise, conflicts and context may still matter; the phrase does not make a speaker’s circumstances irrelevant to every assessment.
When to use it
Use it to focus on reasons and evidence without ignoring relevant context.
Keep in mind
The speaker’s expertise and circumstances may be relevant, though they do not settle the claim alone.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown