THE world has become so noisy. Silence has become rare.
Added to that is the noise in social media, where some netizens and a slew of trolls leave unthoughtful comments.
While others choose to remain silent but opt to observe more, many engage in “war” by standing up for what they believe in. This isn’t bad. A principled individual will constantly seek to discover the truth. However, a skeptic will always find reasons not to believe.
Choosing silence at this time has good consequences. Silence doesn’t mean we surrender. Silence gives time for events to unfold naturally, while the truth speaks for itself.
Silence can serve as a strategy to remain neutral and avoid taking sides, which can be advantageous in maintaining relationships. Silence allows for careful consideration before taking a stance or action.
Many times, especially in our personal relationships, we find that silence speaks louder. Our experiences will tell us that in those times when we chose silence, we achieved peace.
We maintain the relationship by allowing ourselves to be silent when our anger is at its peak. We avoid saying anything we would regret later.
Let us take three common statements about peace from respected people who helped us live peacefully: Confucius, Lao Tzu, and Francis Bacon.
Confucius, the Chinese philosopher who believed that living a meaningful life requires devoting oneself to something greater, once said silence is a true friend who never betrays.
This means silence can help people find inner peace. It can free you from confusion, and it can help you discover what you believe in signifying who you really are. If what you need to say is not better than silence, then keep it first.
Silence doesn’t mean you do not speak. Silence means you listen.
Lao Tzu, who founded the philosophical system of Taoism, also said silence is a source of great strength.
In some situations, staying quiet can be more powerful than speaking out, and it can help us avoid conflict or misunderstandings. It is more beneficial than arguing.
When we argue, we sometimes only listen to what we need to say, rather than what we need to understand. In arguments, we always want to win and dominate. It represents the human side of us.
Francis Bacon, regarded as the Father of Modern Philosophy, said silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.
This suggests that true knowledge comes from inner silence and that speech creates surface ideas that are not true knowledge. We need to learn to quiet our minds and embrace silence. Then think deeply.
What is the wisdom that comes from being quiet?
The thought from a silent mind – not flooded by negativity and disturbance – is worth multiplying.
Yes, the world has become so noisy, and it looks like there is a war. We do not have to participate or isolate. We just need to choose our battles – one that comes from discernment.
Discernment is not done overnight; it often develops over time and is formed by life experiences, knowledge, reflection, and silence.