NOTE: This came from an internal dialog with myself. So, when you see “you”, think of me referring to myself. Lord knows, I am a work in progress and I may not be qualified to give you (the one reading this) advice.
We love our freedom of speech. It’s one of the most sacred rights we have, and we should protect it fiercely. But somewhere along the way, too many people decided that “freedom of speech” is a license to spew whatever garbage happens to come to mind — no matter how stupid, hurtful, or divisive it is.
Just because you can say something doesn’t mean you should.
The Problem Isn’t the Right — It’s the Abuse
We’ve built a world where people wear “speaking my mind” like a badge of honor, even when what’s coming out of their mouth is reckless, uninformed, or downright cruel. Turn on the news, scroll through your social media feed, or hell, just stand in line at the grocery store — you’ll see it everywhere.
The irony? The loudest mouths are usually the ones who should be saying the least.
Look at today’s environment. Every headline is a political grenade. Every tragedy is turned into a chance to score points. People pick sides before they’ve even read the damn story, then scream at strangers online about who’s right and who’s wrong. It’s a nonstop firehose of opinion, outrage, and noise. And in the middle of it, truth, nuance, and compassion get drowned out.
When Words Do More Harm Than Good
Think about it:
- The “hot take” you drop on social media isn’t changing anyone’s mind. It’s just adding fuel to a fire that’s already burning out of control.
- That cutting remark you make to a coworker doesn’t make you clever — it makes you an asshole.
- Spreading half-baked opinions without facts isn’t exercising freedom, it’s exercising irresponsibility.
Sometimes silence is the higher ground. Sometimes the smartest, most courageous thing you can do is to stop, think, and decide not to say it.
Don’t Argue With Idiots
And let’s be honest — there are A LOT of idiots out there. There are few things worse for your mental, spiritual, and even physical health than trying to argue with an idiot.
Why would you give someone else’s verbal bullshit any power over the way you think or how you’re going to live your day? You don’t win by engaging them. You win by refusing to let them dictate your mood, your energy, or your peace.
Let the idiots be idiots. Let the assholes be assholes. Don’t even wish them harm. Instead, hope and pray that they’ll find their way out of the echo chamber and into reality. Hope and pray they’ll find the love they so obviously, desperately need.
Questions to Ask Before You Speak
I’m not saying we all need to walk around muzzled. I’m saying we need to practice self-control. Ask yourself:
- Does this need to be said?
- Does it help, inform, or add value?
- Am I speaking out of love, truth, or purpose — or just emotion and ego?
If the answer is “no” or “I don’t know,” here’s your solution: shut the f*ck up.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
We’re living in a time where division is currency. Social media platforms profit from outrage. Politicians bank on getting us riled up. Talking heads feed us soundbites that make us mad because it keeps us glued to the screen.
They want us to keep our mouths running, because the more noise there is, the harder it is to think clearly. The harder it is to hear the truth.
That’s why silence is so powerful. Not silence in the face of injustice or truth — but silence when your words aren’t going to build, heal, or help.
The Takeaway
Your voice is powerful. That’s why we protect it under the law. But with power comes responsibility. If we don’t learn when to use our voice and when to keep it holstered, we’ll keep tearing ourselves — and each other — apart.
So, the next time you’re tempted to throw your opinion into the raging fire that is today’s discourse, pause. Breathe. Think. And maybe — just maybe — shut the f*ck up.
The world could use a little more silence — and a lot less arguing with idiots.
That’s all I got for now. Let’s see how well I can put this into practice.
-Evan
