01.24.26
Marty Clemens
Is Silence Really Golden?
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt!"
Silence is golden...but, is it really?
We've all heard the saying, "Silence is golden." But is it really? The short answer is yes...and no. To answer this to a greater extent, we'll look at times and situations where remaining silent is truly golden. We'll also consider that there can be times where we can and should be outspoken.
We've all heard the saying, "Silence is golden." But is it really? The short answer is yes...and no. To answer this to a greater extent, we'll look at times and situations where remaining silent is truly golden. We'll also consider that there can be times where we can and should be outspoken.
Before we delve into both answers, give the following statements some thought. How would you respond to the following...
- Often silence is misunderstood as weakness or being introverted, when in fact silence is powerful.
- Some people understand that they should remain silent. Some people should remain silent, because they don't understand.
- It's been said that he who has all the gold, has all the power. Well, if silence is golden, does that mean that he who is silent has all the power?
- Is silence really golden if it masks injustice, avoids eliminating misunderstandings, or withholds constructive and positive contributions to someone or something?
- Silence is golden, unless of course, you have young children. Then silence becomes suspicion.
As I was researching this topic and beginning to write this article, I realized that many times in my life, I have failed miserably at silence. I've often been outspoken and blunt in my delivery of words. Sometimes the approach was effective but mostly it was counterproductive and ineffective. As I've gotten older, I am doing better at selecting my moments of silence. But it does take work to be conscious of the timing and need of silence. Now, I occasionally get asked why I'm quiet. I have to laugh inside and remind myself that people do notice, both when you are silent and when you are not.
Earlier I asked you to contemplate several statements. Lets address these again in answering the yes and no of silence being golden. We'll identify for each point if silence is truly golden or if it should be set aside for the good of something greater to be spoken.
- Silence is golden because - it isn't weakness it is power and strength. It has the ability to facilitate deep thinking and awareness. Focus is heightened through silence. You'll be less stressed with the influences of life, which will lead to greater mental clarity and perhaps you'll become more creative as a result. Stephen Hawking once said, "Quiet people have the loudest minds." This would indicate that through silence one's mental capabilities and creativity abound.
- Silence is golden when - people understand that they should remain silent. Whether it be awareness that silence is a time for reflection, focus, and mental recess, it's a time to pause. People understand that silence could avoid conflict, prevent regret of words missaid, or just simply having respect for speaking when it might be inappropriate. This is where some people don't understand that they should remain silent.
- Silence is golden when - he who has the power knows how to use silence as a strategic tool. To many, silence is merely the absence of noise. To the ones who have the power of silence, they understand that silence is more powerful than having the last word. They know that all they need to do is work hard in silence and let success be their noise. Silence promotes improved critical thinking and decision-making processes. They know a brief pause or a moment of silence, in the presence of others awaiting their words, can become more impactful. Ultimately, they understand that silence can speak volumes over the selection of wrong words.
- No, silence isn't golden when it comes at the risk of injustice, misunderstandings, or providing constructive and positive contributions to others. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Where injustice is concerned, we often take the position of not wanting to get involved. However, being witness to injustice is a valid cause for speaking out. While this action is principle, you must be certain that you have the facts of the situation clearly identified before speaking out. The same holds true in regard to misunderstandings. Speaking out offers the opportunity to get both parties side of any story and clear up any uncertainties of the circumstances.
- No, silence may not be golden where your children are concerned. While the intent of the phrase was humorous, it is important to check on you kids at this time. It could simply mean that they are keeping themselves occupied quietly. We certainly hope it isn't something health related. And remember, if you discover they are attempting to hide the evidence of wrongdoing, this would be an opportune time to take a pause for silence before you speak! And when you do speak, focus on a positive and constructive communication.
I think we've illustrated that at times of silence; it is an opportunity to listen. Do you realize that the words silent and listen are spelled with the same letters? Any chance this is just coincidence? Nah!
It's evident that the question of silence being golden can be answered both yes and no. However, the emphasis of the topic would have us leaning toward yes as the most significant answer. In silence lies power. In silence lies strength. In a world of chaos around us, do we add to the noise by speaking out? Or, do we take pause and let silence guide our thoughts and actions? Silence has the power to calm your mind and control your outcomes. Let the gold you seek be found in silence.
Be inspired! Inspire others!
For an additional perspective on this topic, check out this video:
"Confuse Them with Your Silence!"
- Daily Motivation
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