“Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.”
- July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961
- American
- Novelist, poet, journalist
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Old Man and the Sea,” “A Farewell to Arms,” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954
Quote
“Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway humorously emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and the consequences of making promises or statements while under the influence of alcohol. The idea is that when a person is drunk, they may speak or commit to things they don’t truly mean or that they would be too cautious to agree to when sober. By advising people to “do sober what you said you’d do drunk,” Hemingway suggests that they will be forced to confront the recklessness or absurdity of their drunken promises and, in doing so, learn the valuable lesson of being more discerning with their words. The underlying message is that words and commitments should be made with careful consideration, and the quote serves as a humorous reminder that one should be cautious about making promises or statements while in a compromised state.
Hemingway, known for his stoicism and clear-headedness in his writing and personal life, often explored themes of honor, responsibility, and the consequences of actions. The quote also reflects his pragmatic worldview, where actions and words are closely linked, and making promises or commitments should not be taken lightly. In his own life, Hemingway was known for his fondness for drinking, but his writing suggests that even in the midst of his personal indulgences, he understood the importance of integrity and the potential consequences of letting one’s impulses guide one’s behavior.
In the modern context, this quote resonates with the idea of thinking before speaking and being accountable for one’s words and actions, especially in the age of social media and instant communication. It encourages people to be more mindful of what they say, particularly in moments of emotion or intoxication, as those words can have lasting effects. Hemingway’s playful warning suggests that by doing sober what one promised in a more reckless moment, people will come to realize the importance of restraint and thoughtfulness in their communications.
