Introduction to "Words that Hurt, Words That Heal

Quoting from this 1996 book by Rabbi Joseph Tellushkin

 Over the past decade, whenever I have lectured throughout the country on “Words That Hurt, Words That Heal: How to Choose Words Wisely and Well,” 

I’ve asked my listeners if they can go for twenty four hours Without saying any unkind words about, or to, anybody. Invariably, a minority raise their hands signifying yes, some people laugh,

While quite a large number call out, “No!”

“All of you who can’t answer yes,” I respond, “You must recognize how serious a problem you have. Because if I asked you to go for twenty-four hours without drinking liquor, and you said, ‘I can’t do that,’ I’d tell you, ‘

Then you must recognize that you’re an alcoholic.’ And if I asked you to go for twenty-four hours Without smoking a cigarette, and you said, ‘That’s impossible,’ that would mean that you’re addicted to nicotine.

Similarly, if you can’t go for twenty-four hours without saying unkind words about others, then you’ve lost control over your tongue.”

[Or reacting to an inflammatory meme, and promoting it.]