"There’s really no such thing as the ‘voiceless’. There are only the deliberately silenced, or the preferably unheard."

The idea here is that everyone has a voice, but sometimes those voices are ignored or intentionally suppressed. It's about acknowledging that people aren't truly voiceless; rather, their voices are being drowned out or muted by others.

Historically, this kind of silencing has happened countless times. Think about the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Black Americans weren't voiceless—they had plenty to say about their rights and injustices they faced daily. But their voices were largely ignored or actively silenced by those in power who preferred the status quo. This happens in various contexts, from political protests to workplaces where certain employees might be overlooked.

Take Malala Yousafzai's story, for instance. Growing up in Pakistan, she spoke out for girls' right to education. But the Taliban, who controlled her region, tried to silence her—eventually attacking her to stop her from speaking up. But did they succeed in making her voiceless? Not even close. Her voice became even louder on the global stage, showing that the real issue wasn't that she lacked a voice, but rather that powerful forces attempted to silence her.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? First, recognize that everyone around you has something valuable to say. It means listening deeply, especially to those who seem to be on the margins. Whether it's in a meeting at work, a community forum, or even your social circle, make an effort to hear those voices that often get drowned out. And if you find yourself in a position of power, use it to amplify, not silence, others.

Imagine you're at a family gathering and your cousin, who’s usually quiet, starts talking about an important issue close to her heart. Instead of letting the conversation shift away or get dominated by louder voices, you encourage her, ask questions, and show genuine interest. You’re not just giving her a platform; you're recognizing and affirming her voice.

This concept is vital because it reminds us of the inherent value in everyone's perspective. It encourages empathy and active listening. Often, we don't realize how powerful our voices can be in supporting others. Our society becomes richer and more just when we all take the time to listen and ensure others are heard.

In essence, don’t let yourself or others be silenced. If you’ve got something to say, find a way to say it. If someone else has something to say, be the one who listens. It’s a give and take, and it’s how we make sure that no one's voice goes unheard. Think about the impact that would have—more ideas get shared, more problems get solved, and more people feel valued and included. That’s a world worth striving for.