Silence is an art of living

Silence is golden. Is it really so? There are times when it is necessary to speak, even to speak a lot, in order to possibly benefit others, to bring about reconciliation, harmony and understanding, or to defend the truth.

However, there are times when silence is needed, and in those cases, silence is much more valuable. And in these cases, silence “speaks” more. That is the idiom of silence, a kind of magical culture, but not easy to practice.

Speaking or remaining silent must be done at the right place, at the right time, with the right person, and only when absolutely necessary. Words can be a sword, but if the sword is not used, it should be kept in its sheath. Silence is a wonderful strategy if words are useless, otherwise it can be counterproductive. T. Man's saying is so true: "A wise man carries all his wealth in his head." That is the value of silence. But when should we be silent?

1. When others are sad and suffering

Be happy with those who are happy, be sad with those who are sad. That is the behavior of a well-educated, knowledgeable, sensible, well-mannered and empathetic person. There is nothing more awkward than laughing when others cry - or vice versa. That "out of sync" can make us look ridiculous, pretentious and arrogant.

2. When others are thinking and doing mental work

Silence is the “kingdom” of intellectual activity. Thanks to it, there are masterpieces, nobility, understanding, maturity, reflection… Writer W. Goethe determined: “Talent is nurtured in solitude, but character is created by the stormy waves of life”. When you see others in deep contemplation, do not disturb their “private space”. Silence at that time is truly necessary and meaningful.

3. When others don't understand you

When we are not understood, we need to be open and sociable so that others can understand us better - even if they cannot understand us completely. But if you feel that people really cannot understand or do not want to understand, it is best to keep quiet. Otherwise, what you say may cause "allergies" or hatred.

4. When others talk about issues you don't understand

If you know, speak up; if you don't, lean against the pillar and listen. A wise person only speaks of what he knows clearly and remains completely silent about what he doesn't know or is vague about. Don't imagine yourself to be an "encyclopedia". The scientist A. Edison said: "What we know is just a drop of water, what we don't know is an ocean". The philosopher Socrates admitted: "I don't know anything, that's what I know best". As ordinary people, we need to be humble and keep silent.

5. When others boast and argue

Empty barrels make the most noise. The more knowledgeable people are, the less talkative, thoughtful, and sympathetic they become. Of the four mathematical operations, subtraction is the “easiest,” yet full of meaning. Only ignorance leads to dogmatism, harshness, or stubbornness. Boasting and reasoning are “characteristics” of a shallow, short-sighted mind. Ignorance tends to use words to cover up its shortcomings.

6. When others don't need your opinion

Never “meddle” in other people’s business or be curious about their affairs. Besides, talking too much leads to many mistakes. Speaking one-sidedly loses the truth, speaking boastfully leads to failure, speaking obliquely leads to error, and speaking in secret leads to death. “Talking makes people understand, but silence is the school of wisdom.”

Silence is also love, forgiveness, and life!

Nam Phuong (synthesis)