Some topics ignite passions that lie dormant—politics, religion, and our favorite sports teams tend to top the list. I usually steer clear of them. It’s rare to find two people who see these issues through a similar lens. So I choose my conversations carefully: the ones where I know I’ll learn something new, or where my perspective might genuinely help someone. And just as intentionally, I avoid the discussions where nothing meaningful or constructive can be achieved. With time, I’ve learned that even when someone asks for our opinion, silence can sometimes be the wisest answer.

If I get to choose the subject, I gravitate toward conversations that spark ideas about how to improve people’s lives. I enjoy talking with those who set aside personal interests and place the needs of others—or the planet—first. I admire people who truly want to make this world better, even when that requires sacrifice and letting go of comfort. And no, these people are not politicians.

It takes two years to learn to speak and sixty to learn to keep quiet.