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I think you need to look at this in reverse. The author is making the analogy of judging/attacking someone who is ‘absent’ or not around is like attacking a defenseless person ie they can’t strike back or defend themselves.

“Only the ignorant and narrow-minded gossip, for they speak of persons instead of things.”

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I think this is just a continuation of the previous comment. Gossip is a way of attacking someone. So the author is calling the gossiper ignorant and narrow minded – plus its easier to attack a person who is not around than taking about ‘thing’.

I take it to mean: Don’t judge anyone and gossip. Focus on whats important, like people being innocently killed or hated for our differences.

Nice quote, where did you find it.