"一个人知道得越多，他说得越少。"

It's funny how life works, right? The more you know, the less you feel the need to broadcast it to the world. This idea isn't new; it's been around for ages. Wise people throughout history have realized that real knowledge often brings with it a sense of humility. They understand that the world is vast, and the more you know, the more you realize how much you don’t know.

Think about it. When you’re young or just starting in a new field, there’s this urge to show off what you know. You’re eager to prove yourself. But as you gain more experience and truly understand your subject, you don’t feel that same need. You know your stuff, and that’s enough.

Take the example of a seasoned teacher. She’s been teaching for decades. In her early days, she might have lectured non-stop, eager to share every bit of knowledge she had. But now? Now she knows the power of listening. She asks questions, she engages her students in discussions, and she listens more than she talks. She understands that by listening, she can learn just as much from her students as they can from her.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by being more mindful in conversations. Try to listen more than you speak. Instead of jumping in with your own stories or advice, ask questions. Show genuine interest in what the other person is saying. You’d be surprised how much you can learn just by listening. And when you do speak, think about your words. Are you saying something of value, or are you just filling the silence?

Imagine this scenario: You’re at a party, and there’s a guy who won’t stop talking about himself—his job, his travels, his achievements. He’s loud and confident, but after a while, people start to drift away. Then there’s another person, quietly asking questions, genuinely interested in the answers. People gravitate towards her. They feel heard and appreciated. They leave the party thinking, “She’s so wise,” even though she barely talked about herself.

In life, sometimes the smartest thing you can do is to say less and listen more. It’s about being present and valuing the knowledge and experiences of others. And guess what? When you do speak, people are more likely to listen to you because they know you don’t waste words.

So, next time you’re in a conversation, try holding back a bit. Be the one who listens. You might just find that people appreciate you more for it. And who knows? You might learn something new along the way.