"Le silence est profond comme l'Éternité la parole est superficielle comme le Temps"

The essence of this quote is that silence holds profound depth and timelessness, whereas speech often remains fleeting and superficial. Imagine the weight and meaning behind a quiet moment shared between friends compared to the endless chatter we hear every day. The former has a way of sinking in, touching the soul, and lasting forever. The latter? It comes and goes, often forgotten.

Now, let's take a little trip back in history. This quote comes from Thomas Carlyle, a 19th-century Scottish philosopher and historian. Carlyle was living in a time when society was undergoing massive changes due to the Industrial Revolution. People were moving faster, talking more, and, arguably, listening less. He probably felt the world was getting too noisy and that the deep, silent moments were getting lost in the hustle and bustle.

To see this idea in action, let’s think about a real-life scenario. Picture yourself at a funeral. Everyone is gathered, some weeping, some just staring ahead. When the room falls silent, that’s when you truly feel the weight of the moment. The absence of words speaks louder than any eulogy ever could. Silence allows you to connect with your own feelings and the collective emotions of everyone around you. Now, compare this to the casual chatter happening at a coffee shop. The conversations are light, constantly shifting topics, and often forgotten the next day. They’re enjoyable but don’t hold the same kind of depth.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Next time you’re with someone going through a tough time, resist the urge to fill the space with words. Just be there. Offer your silent presence. It’s in these quiet moments that connections are deepened. Similarly, when faced with a big decision, sit in silence and listen to your inner voice. The answers you seek often come when the noise subsides.

Let me share a story that might hit closer to home. Think about a time when you had a heated argument with someone you love. Words were flying, emotions were high, and probably nothing was getting resolved. Then, there’s that moment when both of you go silent. That’s usually when you start to reflect on what’s really important. It's in the silence that you find clarity, and maybe even the path to reconciliation.

So next time you’re tempted to speak just to fill a gap, remember Carlyle’s wisdom. Sometimes the deepest connections and the most profound realizations happen in the quiet. Silence isn’t empty; it’s full of answers.