Is speaking your mind a real fault in a person?

Question

Is speaking your mind a real fault in a person?

Answer 1

Just remember if you speak your mind about others, they might do it right back to you.

Answer 2

of course not.

Answer 3

Yes! Mostly...

Most people use "speaking their mind" to cover rudeness, lack of tact, or just verbal diarrhea. Why should you speak your mind if it's going to hurt someone's feelings, why not just be quiet about it? Furthermore, what is so important about their mind? Why do we need to know their opinion?

Bluntness, forthrightness and honesty can be admired, but should be combined with tact as much as possible. Unless you want someone to be equally blunt back, and call you a callous... something (depending on present company). And the values of keeping quiet about opinions, especially opinions about other people, should also be stressed.

Children get away with it. Adults are supposed to have learnt inhibition, the ability to stop, review, and edit comments with a view to not offending others. That is a very important social skill)

Much of my vehemence comes from those who use "speaking their mind" as an excuse or reason to spout any thought, emotion or strong opinion that chances to cross their cortex. They would not admire such lack of control in any other area of life; i.e. violent behavour ("acting" your mind?).  

Answer 4

It depends.

If "speaking your mind" means telling other people how to live, or being rude or hurtful, to mention two kinds of examples, yes, that's a very serious fault and obnoxious trait.

If "speaking your mind" means pointing out, for instance, that the group on is a member of is about to do a wrong thing or make a mistake, or, to take another kind of example, pointing out to the broader society an injustice, then it's a good thing.

As I say, it depends. Is the speaker Morally or otherwise obligated to speak out; is it any of their business to speak out (as in the false assumption that people have the right to run around insulting people and telling everyone else how to live)?

As a practical matter, I've found that people who run around saying that they speak their minds are the sort who think that insulting everyone else and telling everyone else how to live is a GOOD thing.

Miss Manners and I disagree.

Answer 5

no, i speak my mind on people, if i feel its necessary, but i don't ever go out to insult them or upset them, some do though, that's called arrogance and selfishness

Answer 6

there is no set answer to your question. it all depends on the situation you are in.

too much of any personallity trait is a bad thing. A trait that is used in moderation and at the right time is good.

so the answer is yes and no.

you probably know this, so why did you ask such an obvious question?

Answer 7

no be precise,,honest and fair,,it is not a fault

Answer 8

If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it. If you have to, do it i the most polite manner possible.

It goes both ways, though. It's getting annoying how people are getting SO CYNICAL AND IGNORANT. They get over the darnest things.

Answer 9

only seems to be when saying something a person doesn't like

Answer 10

Yes! We must always consider the vulnerability of the person we are aiming our anger at. For instance, I would never chastise someone with a disability in the same way, as I would a person with full mobility. This would also apply to people who are lacking confidence etc.

Answer 11

It depends on how many people you hurt.

Answer 12

It depends. Believe it or not, people do not have to say everything that comes into their mind. They do not even have to say what they have the "right" to say. It takes a greater person to use a filter before they blurt out things. I know people who think every opinion, thought, emotion, or feeling they have should be spoken out loud. They think it is a gift.  Just not true! It is a belief that every one should hear what they think or believe.

Answer 13

It's called talking with your mouth and not with you brain.

Answer 14

Not always, sometimes it can be a strength.

Answer 15

No it's not, as long as you're not intentionally hurting someone.

'Honesty is the best policy'.

Answer 16

This is a perfect one for me to answer. All of my true friends love me for it. There is nothing wrong with speaking the truth, which is exactly whats on your mind.

Its an art when you can say something negative and still be respected for it.

Its not what you say, its the way you say it.

Answer 17

There's a song called "Bite My Tongue" by Relient K. Listen to it. ^_^

Answer 18

There comes a time when a lack of tact in a person will get them into a lot of trouble. Sometimes it's best to say nothing.

Answer 19

no

Answer 20

i dont think its good idea unless you trust the person so much

Answer 21

no but there is a time and place to do so . So good judgement is needed.

Answer 22

yes, i dont think its a good idea to be like that really,

its ok to be yourself & its best to be yourself,

but keep the mean opinions etc to yourself... thats my opinion!