Remember the old adage, 'Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me'. True courage consists in doing what is right, despite the jeers and sneers of our companions. That reference to the expression as an 'old adage' in 1862 suggests and earlier coinage. This saying is a common childhood chant meaning hurtful words cannot cause any physical pain and thus will be ignored or disregarded.
sticks and stones may break my bones (but words will never hurt me) A common childhood chant meaning hurtful words cannot cause any physical pain and thus will be ignored or disregarded. I've never been affected by people's criticism—sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me
D. the reader. The reader will always be the one you're writing for, since the idea of writing, especially academic writing, is usually meant for others to read.
