In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Dr. Stephen Covey states that "one of the most important ways to manifest integrity is to be loyal to those who are not present." Epictetus was also credited with saying the same thing:
"We ought to do well by our friends when they are present, and speak well of them when they are absent."
We sometimes forget the true value of the relationships we have. When we breach the trust of those with whom we are connected, we lose much more than a friend, we lose a part of ourselves as well. Today's reading reminds us to how important it is to consider our words and actions carefully in the light of our relationships.
Reflection
Remember a time when you spoke 'hard words' about someone close to you. How did your listeners react? How did the subject feel? How did you feel? How were relationships changed as a result?
Read The Discourses, Book II, Chapter XI, v. 12-15
Exploration
Application
Examination
This evening, spend a few minutes remembering a relationship that was damaged by your words or actions. Do you remember what precipitated the conflict? What were you hoping to gain or retain? What did you lose as a result of the event? What we the actions you took that did not embody Stoic virtues (even if you were not aware of the virtues at the time)?