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NeCede's

Maxim 3.3.6

If you are moved to anger by insults, you publish them; if you despise them, they are forgotten.

Si injuriam movearis, profers eam; si contemnas, extinguis.

Source: 3 Inst. 198; Weisman, 55e Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

The wise course when provoked is to ignore the provocation — responding amplifies the harm; silence extinguishes it.

Where this applies

  • A person publicly responds to an insult and makes the situation worse.
  • Someone amplifies a provocation by reacting to it instead of ignoring it.

Legal domains

tort

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 3.3.6 — If you are moved to anger by insults, you publish them; if you despise them, they are forgotten. — 3 Inst. 198; Weisman, 55e (Si injuriam movearis, profers eam; si contemnas, extinguis.)

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