Friday, December 6, 2013

Day 297, December 6

"Talking is like playing the harp; there is as much in laying the hands on the strings to stop their vibrations as in twanging them to bring out their music."--Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Some of the best conversationalists know the value of silence on their parts.  They know when to speak ... and when to cease speaking.  In short, they know how to listen.

You may know someone who talks all the time, who, so enthralled with the sound of his own voice and so taken with his own opinions,  pays little attention to what others are saying.  Chances are this individual is not known as a great conversationalist.  In fact, he may be known as a bore.  (Or is that boar?)

Then there are the quiet, thoughtful people who listen more than they speak, who give an attentive ear to the words of others.  These are the people to pay attention to, for when they speak, they will have something worthwhile to say.

So, for today, I am grateful for those who "lay their hands on the strings to stop their vibrations."

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