"Always be ready to speak your mind, and a base man will avoid you"

William Blake’s aphorism urges honesty and courage in self-expression. Speaking one’s mind without fear allows integrity and authenticity to shape each interaction. Refusing to hide or dilute thoughts, even in uncomfortable situations, challenges the status quo and asserts moral clarity. Confidence and directness in communication serve as distinguishing features; they separate those who hold their principles above social convenience from those governed by duplicity or self-interest.

Blake’s implication is that people of lesser character, those he calls “base men”, often thrive in environments where ambiguity, silence, or politeness allow hidden motives to flourish unchecked. When confronted with someone who reliably voices their ideas and principles, such individuals instinctively withdraw. The candor and potential for exposure makes manipulators and schemers uncomfortable. Honesty becomes a defense mechanism; it acts as a filter, repelling those who might exploit silence or conformity.

There is, too, a call to readiness, not just willingness. Being ready suggests preparation, vigilance, and a commitment to one’s beliefs at all times. It is not enough to speak out only when convenient or safe; virtue must be practiced even in the face of opposition or discomfort. Such constancy fortifies character. In being outspoken, not with arrogance or hostility, but with sincerity and clarity, one builds a reputation that discourages insincerity and dishonesty from drawing near.

Thus, Blake’s maxim suggests that true strength of character automatically draws a boundary between oneself and the deceitful. The very act of standing firmly and honestly functions as both shield and invitation, a shield against the ignoble, and an invitation to genuine, principled interaction. Authentic speech, therefore, becomes not just a method of personal expression, but a catalyst for integrity in the world around us.