Calmness
Page 171. Calmness. The words of the wise are stated gently. And being good, do not be called evil.
— from Communication & Conflict (Communication/Conflict) · Cheshbon HaNefesh
In the book
The first discipline is the oldest one our tradition teaches: before you open your mouth, pause and ask yourself a single question — what benefit will these words bring, to me or to anyone? If you live consciously at all, you must take responsibility for the words that come out of your mouth, because they do real work in the world. So accustom yourself to speak gently to everyone, at all times — the words of the wise are spoken softly — and greet every person, friend or stranger, with a warm and open face, because a kind expression is an invitation to friendship while a scowl frightens people away. Then attend to how, not just what. The real secret of good communication is far less about the content of your words than about the way you deliver them. — Communication & Conflict (Communication/Conflict)