The Power of Silence and Listening

One thing I notice in many people is that, as they grow older, their ability to be silent and truly listen to what the world has to say undeniably improves with age.

The older we get, the wiser we become—and wisdom is humility, it is silence, it is knowing how to listen, speaking only when necessary, and speaking only when our words are better than silence itself.

Of course, there are exceptions. I know many young people who show wisdom at an early age—they speak less and listen more. And it’s often those young ones who get into less trouble. Likewise, some older folks still talk far too much and find themselves tangled in problems because of their words. But generally speaking, age makes us more empathetic toward the world, kinder, more sensitive—and the way we express these virtues is through silence and attentive listening.

Perhaps some grow weary of the world and its troubles, or perhaps they remain silent simply because it’s more comfortable. Still, in most older people, that drive to always be right and speak their mind is saved only for those who truly deserve it. For whatever reason, most elders live in a quieter, more peaceful world—and it’s in that world where we truly begin to meet ourselves.

We are slaves to what we say, and masters of what we choose to keep silent.