"مردان دانا سخن می‌گویند زیرا چیزی برای گفتن دارند؛ احمق‌ها سخن می‌گویند زیرا باید چیزی بگویند."

The heart of this quote is about the difference between speaking with purpose and speaking just to fill silence. Wise individuals carefully consider their words, ensuring they add value and meaning, whereas fools chatter away without thought, often just to hear their own voice.

Historically, this sentiment is often attributed to the Greek philosopher Plato, a guy who knew a thing or two about wisdom. He lived in a time when debates and discussions were central to society and philosophy was a way of life. The idea here is timeless: meaningful communication is valuable, while empty talk is just noise.

Now, let's dive into a real-world example. Imagine a team meeting at work. There's always that one colleague—let's call him Sam—who dominates the room. Sam speaks up on every topic, often repeating what's already been said or going off on tangents. He talks because he feels he must contribute to show he's engaged. Then there's Lisa. She sits quietly, listening intently. When Lisa speaks, it's with a clear point or a thoughtful question that moves the discussion forward. People respect and listen to her because they know she's not just talking for the sake of it. In this scenario, Sam is the fool, and Lisa the wise one.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by asking yourself a few questions before you speak: Is what I'm about to say useful? Does it add new insight or value? Am I speaking just to fill a gap or to truly contribute? It’s about being intentional with your words. Take a breath, think about your message, and then speak. This way, your words will carry more weight and be more respected.

Picture this: You're at a family dinner, and the conversation is flowing. Uncle Bob is sharing his latest conspiracy theory, while Aunt Carol is eagerly describing her recent vacation. You’re tempted to jump in and interrupt just to get a word in edgewise. But then you remember the quote. You decide to listen carefully, and when there's a natural pause, you share a thoughtful observation about the importance of travel to broaden one's horizons. Your family members nod in agreement, and the discussion shifts to more meaningful reflections on personal growth through travel.

In essence, speaking wisely is about contribution over compulsion. It's not about being the loudest voice in the room but the most impactful. It’s about quality over quantity. So next time you're in a conversation, channel your inner Lisa. Be deliberate, be thoughtful, and make sure your words truly matter. Think of it as having a superpower—the ability to turn mundane chatter into something memorable and significant.