If You Don't Have Anything Nice To Say, Don't Say Anything At All

The Argument: If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

This is a general statement, so there are multiple ways of interpreting it. Hence, it can represent multiple different arguments; a literal version - a figurative version - and a contextual version.

[theblockbusterinsider]

This was the comeback line for all teachers in primary school.

[TheGaboom]

"Chicks, Man"
- Counter Arguments, 2019

[theaidsgiver]

I hope he does more videos where he breaks down arguments of abstract statements like this that seem rather forceful until you analyze it in a deeper context. This was an interesting watch.

[SteveGong]

"If she doesn't eat with me, then she doesn't eat at all!" - The Beast

[Ultracity]

"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."


_Lookout on the Titanic, upon seeing an iceburg:_
"..."

[Beni_Benigno]

Just remove the word nice from the argument and you've got another video right there lmao

[tk]

My friend: What do you think of my drawings?

Me: My mum taught me; if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all...

[akmonra]

Counter Arguments: "Is it actually necessary to check yourself to avoid wrecking yourself?"

[dustycarrier]

I've always interpreted this phrase as;


"When you have nothing nice to say, should you really bother saying it at all?" It's more accurate this way as it describes the real issue that is being diplomatic and useful, but most of all picking your battles. When all you want to say is that someone can choke on a pineapple, you're not being helpful, you're starting a conflict, and you're not being diplomatic, but most of all; you're wasting your time.

[GiantRogueWave]

Honestly, I only ever heard this argument as a child as it related to getting along with other children. I haven’t really heard this argument as an adult. I could only imagine making this argument to a child in a similar manner, or to a petulant adult who lacked either the social understanding or social grace necessary to randomly insult strangers — nobody I know fits that description.

[ericquiabazza]

I always thought of this frase as:
"Remember, Silence is always an option" and
"Think before speak, they could be guiding you without you knowing"
There is a reason "Maintain Silence" is a right, and in "Tale" kinda game "..." Is an option, bust almost no one chose it, be cautious.

[Cyrenetes]

I never thought "nice" in the quote only meant statements that will please someone, but rather statements that aren't made maliciously. Mentioning any information that you think is useful is inherently being nice, regardless of how happy the other party is to hear it, but if you already know that the purpose of mentioning it is to hurt someone or waste their time, then that's not a nice thing to *do* and shouldn't be expressed.

[grfrjiglstan]

I'm used to hearing these informative videos tied up with a little "So here's the right answer" at the end. I didn't think it would be so...refreshing to find a channel that doesn't do that.

[erichanson]

In my personal experience, I usually hear "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" from individuals/groups who have some sort of authority over other individuals/groups as a way of discouraging dissent from the individuals/groups with less authority. There are exceptions, but that seems to be the rule as I have experienced it, and it is partly for this reason among a great many others that I have developed some anarchist philosophical leanings.

[wanttogetfood]

This is double-edged sword, capable of censoring absolutely anybody.

[NatchEvil]

When I grew up, it was, "If you don't have anything clever to say, don't say anything at all." My family wasn't nice.

[thewilytroutesq]

"If you can't say anything good about someone, come sit here by me." -Alice Roosevelt Longfellow

[LibertyLocalizer]

"Delusions of adequacy" is brilliant, and I will be using it as soon as possible.

[MilesUmbrae]

I grew up with this phrase being used ONLY when teachers/society tried to stop bullies from saying "mean" things to others...
It is only now in later years that the phrase has been used to dissuade people from saying ANYTHING negative about ANYTHING for ANY reason...

[HyperLuigi]

I call the diplomacy part speaking to your audience. Know who you’re talking to and how they want to hear things. Difficult maybe, but making no effort means you scream at them and they label you a hater to be ignored. Be firm if you can figure out that’s what they respond well to, be gentle if they’re scared or something. This is so important when trying to make a point to somebody, trying to get them to change their mind or at least see a new perspective.