Yesterday a young man in the forum mocked my silence during the debate, calling me old and slow. I felt the heat rise in my chest, a sharp sting that demanded an answer. I opened my mouth to correct him, to show him how wrong he was about my mind. My face grew red, my voice trembled with the need to defend myself. I spoke for a long time, louder than necessary, until the crowd stared at me with pity rather than respect. I had sought honour in their eyes and found only shame. The silence after I finished was heavier than any insult he could have thrown.

Now you must watch your own tongue when others speak plainly to you. Do not let a slight make you loud or bitter. If someone says something unkind, listen first and ask yourself if you would say the same to them. Let their words pass like smoke over hot stone, leaving no mark on your mind. Heal the anger before it grows roots in your soul.