Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"كما أن الأواني الفارغة تصدر أعلى صوت، كذلك أولئك الذين لديهم أقل قدر من الفطنة هم أكثر من يتحدثون بلا توقف."

Plato
Plato Philosopher
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
This quote reminds us that people who shout the loudest or talk the most often have the least to say. Let’s break it down. Imagine you’re at a party and there's always that one guy who's the center of attention, bragging about his latest exploits—loud, animated, but when you really listen, he’s not saying much of substance. That’s the essence here: more noise, less meaning.

Historically, this quote is rooted in literature and philosophy, often attributed to the likes of Plato and Shakespeare. Back then, just like now, society had its fair share of loudmouths. These thinkers wanted to highlight that genuine wisdom and knowledge usually come from those who speak less and think more. They knew that true intellect doesn’t need to shout to be heard.

Now, let's talk about a real-life example. You know those meetings at work where one person dominates the conversation? They hog the spotlight, offer opinions on everything, and seem to know it all. Yet, when decisions need to be made or actions to be taken, their contributions turn out to be less valuable than the quieter colleague who speaks up only when they have a well-thought-out point. The loud one might make you feel like they know everything, but in the end, it’s the quiet thinker who often provides the real insight.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? First off, when you’re in a group setting, resist the urge to fill every silence with chatter. Instead, listen first. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to make an impact. Think about what you’re going to say, and make sure it adds value to the conversation. It’s not about being silent, but about speaking with purpose.

Imagine this scenario: You're in a brainstorming session at work, and ideas are flying left and right. There’s one person—let’s call her Jane—who’s throwing out ideas every few seconds, none of which seem fully formed. Then there’s you—sitting, absorbing, thinking. When Jane finally pauses to take a breath, you share your thought. It’s concise, clear, and it ties together the best parts of everyone’s ideas. People nod in agreement. You didn’t have to dominate the conversation; you just needed to add something meaningful right when it was needed.

Remember, it’s not about being silent, but about speaking wisely. Next time you’re tempted to jump into a conversation just to be heard, take a breath. Think about what you’re going to say. Does it need to be said? Will it add value? If not, maybe it’s best to hold back and let your thoughts simmer until they’re ready to provide real insight.

So, next time you’re at that party or in that meeting, think about the quiet ones. They might just have something important to say—when the time is right. And who knows, maybe you’re one of them. That’s not a bad thing. In fact, it might just make you the wisest person in the room.
Related tags
Humility Ignorance Intelligence Knowledge Noise Proverb Silence Wisdom Wit
MORE QUOTES BY Plato
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon