Yelling at living things does tend to kill the spirit in them. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will break our hearts...

Fulghum’s line reframes a familiar childhood rhyme (“Sticks and stones…”) to argue that verbal aggression can be more enduringly harmful than physical injury. “Yelling at living things” broadens the point beyond human relationships to animals, children, and even plants—any vulnerable life that can be diminished by harsh treatment. The “spirit” suggests morale, trust, and vitality: things that may not show bruises but can be eroded by contempt, ridicule, or constant anger. The closing contrast—bones versus hearts—highlights how language shapes inner life and self-worth, implying an ethical responsibility to speak with care because words can wound in ways that are difficult to heal.