The Wisdom of Speaking Less

The exhaustive nature of constant talking is often underestimated. A truly wise person often adopts a "few words" approach, recognizing it as their best defense.

❶ Don't Explain

"If something can't be understood without an explanation, explaining it is useless."

Everyone has different backgrounds and perspectives. Even if we speak a thousand words, others may only grasp a fraction. Your life is your own, not anyone else's. Rather than exhausting yourself by clinging to others' need for understanding, learn to be less talkative. Devote that time and energy to self-cultivation instead.

❷ Don't Argue

Giving any extra thought to anyone or anything that drains our energy is a mistake. As Ms. Yang Jiang said: "I don't argue with anyone, and I don't care to argue with anyone."

Don't argue; respond with silence. Being yourself is the most powerful answer. Refrain from arguing when your perspectives differ, and don't argue when your levels of understanding are different. Learning to be silent and refrain from arguing is a wise move.

Lao Tzu once said, "Those who are gentle do not argue, and those who are victorious do not fight." The higher one's level, the less inclined they are to engage in verbal sparring and the less likely they are to waste themselves on meaningless trivialities. Instead, they quietly observe their own scenery, walk their own path, and stay true to their direction.

❸ Limit Persuasion

It takes 90 days to develop a habit, 6 months to form a certain mindset, and 14 years to develop one's inner character. Therefore, changing someone isn't something you can achieve simply through talking. If we insist on persuading others, the end result will be internal friction.

Truly wise people understand that silence is golden. If they can barely handle their own affairs, how can they spare the energy to offer assistance or change others? "Too much talk leads to mistakes, and excessive speech is harmful."

How many relationships have been ruined by excessive talk? How many opportunities have been lost due to carelessness?

Being less talkative nourishes one's energy, and being less thoughtful about others nourishes one's spirit. Especially when faced with difficulties and challenges in life, learning to practice the Zen of silence is a great wisdom.

The more you talk to people who are not on the same wavelength, the more strenuous it feels, like climbing a steep mountain. Only by speaking less can one find peace of mind and calm the spirit, allowing silence to accumulate strength.

Too much talk leads to mistakes; silence is golden. It is the greatest awakening for adults.

Thank you for reading!