VIEWPOINT 12

TALKING

It seems to me that more and more we are experiencing two types of talking, at either end of a spectrum. On the one hand are the ugly, distasteful and often untrue “sound-bites” which are now supposed to take the place of reasoned discussion. At the other extreme, I hear what I can only describe as “alternating monologues” where “knowledgeable” people spout about what their views are without even trying to listen to what is being said by others. And these extremes have led me to make some points of my own.

Many people talk when they cease to be at peace with their thoughts. And when they can no longer live in peaceful inner solitude they live with their lips and the sound becomes a diversion, a “hobby”. In much of this “noise”, thinking dies, since thought is like a bird and within a ‘cage of words’ can only unfold its wings but cannot fly.

There are those who want to be surrounded by talkers, as they fear the loneliness of being only with themselves, frightened by their own nakedness. There are also those who by talking show lack of thought or understanding, yet can often surprise with a nugget of commonsense.

When you meet a friend, allow your spirit to move your lips and direct your tongue. Let your inner voice the scope to speak to the ear of your friend. He will remember your words in his heart in the same way the wine is remembered long after the bottle has been recycled.

I find I am in agreement (again) with Baltazar Gracián, when he says “hazer concepto” – in English:

“Think. Deeply. With Purpose”.

Until next time,

Peripatetic Scribe