"Les sages ne parlent que de ce qu'ils savent."

When you think about it, this quote is pretty straightforward. It's about the value of speaking from experience and knowledge, rather than just talking for the sake of talking. It's something we all need a reminder of every now and then—only share what you truly understand.

Historically, this idea isn't new. It pops up in many cultures and philosophies, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and the dangers of ignorance. Socrates, for instance, was famous for claiming that true wisdom lies in knowing that you know nothing. It's also a theme in many religious texts and philosophical writings. This particular quote helps us remember that wisdom comes from a place of humility and genuine understanding.

Picture this: You’re at a team meeting at work. The project’s hit a snag, and everyone’s tossing around possible solutions. Then there's Jim, who always has something to say. He jumps in with this elaborate plan that sounds impressive, but it's clear he hasn't really thought it through—he doesn't know the details or the real implications. It’s frustrating, right? Because you can see that he’s more interested in talking than in actually solving the problem. Now imagine someone else, let's call her Sara, who knows the ins and outs of the project. When she speaks, you listen. Why? Because she’s knowledgeable. She’s been there, done that, and she’s speaking from experience. That’s the power of speaking only of what you know.

So how do you apply this bit of wisdom in your own life? Start by being honest with yourself about what you know and what you don’t. If you’re not sure about something, it’s okay to stay quiet and listen. Or, ask questions—asking is a great way to learn. And when you do speak, make sure it’s something you’re confident about. This builds trust and respect. People appreciate authenticity, and they can usually tell when someone’s faking it.

Let’s bring it closer to home with a relatable story. Imagine you’re at a family gathering. Your cousin, who's been living abroad, starts talking about the political climate in her new country. It's clear she’s well-read and has firsthand experience. Everyone is engaged, asking her questions, eager to learn. Then, there's your uncle, who always has an opinion on everything, even if he's not well-informed. He starts spouting off facts he read somewhere online, but he hasn’t really done his homework. The conversation shifts from insightful to awkward. You can feel the difference, can’t you? One speaks from knowledge, the other from a place of wanting to appear knowledgeable.

In our own lives, we’re often tempted to be like the uncle—afraid of silence, eager to share our two cents. But it’s far more valuable to be like your cousin. Next time you’re about to dive into a topic, ask yourself: Do I really know what I’m talking about? If not, it’s better to listen, learn, and wait until you have something meaningful to share. It’s not about dampening your voice, but about making sure when you do speak, it’s worth listening to. That’s a pretty solid way to earn respect and truly contribute, whether in a meeting, at a family dinner, or in any conversation.