"When I think over what I have said, I envy dumb people"

This quote by Lucius Annaeus Seneca speaks to the idea of being careful with one's words. It suggests that when we take the time to reflect on what we have actually stated, we might discover ourselves wanting we had actually been more thoughtful in our speech. This is because we may realize that our words have caused damage or have actually been misinterpreted. In this case, Seneca is suggesting that it is much better to be silent than to speak without believing. He implies that those who are not able to speak are in a better position than those who can, as they are unable to cause any damage with their words. This quote acts as a suggestion to be mindful of our words and to think prior to we speak. It is a tip that our words have power and can have a long lasting impact, so it is essential to be knowledgeable about the repercussions of our words.