essay on silence is golden 400 words

English Essay on Silence is Golden, English Essay-Paragraph-Speech for Class 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Students.

Silence is Golden

“Speech is silver, but silence is golden!” said William Shakespeare. How right he was! There is no doubt that the gift of speech bestowed on human beings is a unique one, and the ability to talk well a useful talent, but just as gold is more valuable than silver, so too, the ability to keep quiet. Ironical as it may seem, there has been a lot ‘said’ on the value of silence.

“Empty vessels make the most noise” is a well-known proverb and the analogy contained in it is an apt one. Ignorant people talk the most just as empty pots and pans rattle the most. When you have nothing to say, don’t say it —don’t waste your energy in meaningless, foolish talk. I am sure we can all think of something more useful to do.

Naturally quiet people are usually those who are intelligent, and have clear minds and well-ordered thoughts. When they do speak, it is always to say something pleasant, constructive and sympathetic. Invariably, they are heard with attention and respect, unlike those who talk all the time.

Silence brings calmness into a person’s life, and very often tides over unpleasant situations. When faced with certain problems, it is better to maintain a diplomatic silence and wait for things to resolve themselves  you will be surprised at the number of times they do, just because you kept quiet.

In the end, let me quote Max Ehrmann, who, in the seventeenth century, gave a piece of advice which holds good even today. “Go placidly amid the noise and haste,” he wrote, “and remember what peace there may be in silence.”

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Essay on Silence is Gold For Students & Children in English

We are Sharing Essay on Silence is Gold in English for students and children. In this article, we have tried our best to provide a Short Essay on Silence is Golden for Classes 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12  in 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500 words.

Essay on Silence

The modern world is the world of chatterboxes. Wherever you go, you hear noises created by noisy selfish men who are out to dupe others and grind their own axe.

This is the world of shallow thinkers and the world of deep thinkers and wise men of the old is long past.

It will, however, not be hard to realize that speaking too much sometimes proves fatal or extremely detrimental.

The crow who cawed-cawed day in and day out and had fortunately found a piece of cheese, soon lost it because it could not help opening its mouth when the clever fox cajoled it to sing a sweet song.

The foolish frog who was being taken away to a place of safety by the friendly swans when it was holding a piece of wood while the swans were flying in the sky, could not help opening its mouth when taunted by the lookers-on on the ground. It was no wonder when it lost its precious life.

It is said that we do not know a fool until he opens a mouth. For a person who is not in the best knowledge of things, the best thing is to keep his mouth shut. Otherwise, he is likely to make only an ass of himself.

Our great saints, including Mahatma Gandhi in recent times, used to observe a silent day in a week. On this day they spoke nothing and thus they gave rest to their own mind and to minds to others, So if speech is silver, silence is golden.

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Silence is Golden

Like many other phrases, the origin of this phrase also lies in the mist of time. It is reported that it has links with some other versions of the proverb , dating back to Egyptian history. However, its first example in English was its use by Thomas Carlyle, a poet who translated it from German to English in his novel Sartor Resartus  (“The Tailor Retailored”). In the novel, it reads as “Sprecfien ist silbern, Schweigen ist golden (“ Speech is silvern, Silence is golden”); or as I might rather express it: Speech is of Time, Silence is of Eternity.” One of the characters speaks these lines, by which he means that discretion could be more important than eloquence.

The meaning of this phrase is that silence needs authority of mind and a specific type of power ; to keep silent is not easier than expressing anger, love, happiness, and betrayal with words. This phrase is the part of a proverb, “Speech is silver, silence is golden.” We use it in such circumstances where it is considered that silence is preferable to speaking. Just like gold, in a right time and place, silence lends grandeur and charm to human lives. It is like an ornament, which is enduring and has unparalleled beauty .

These days, the fuller version of this phrase, “speech is silver; silence is golden” is frequently used, though the shorter form, “silence is golden” is more common. For instance, lovers prefer to speak in silence, as it is a more romantic and famous way of telepathy between those who share strong and powerful feelings of love. Sometimes silence can play a great role, like huge wars were stopped due to just a few words, avoiding unnecessary words that might have hurt others.

Similarly, when two close friends meet after a long time, they could say many things — sharing complaints, secrets, questions, and much more. However, the very first thing they often share is silence. Thus, it justifies that speech is less significant than silence, as it lets us know about our inner selves.

Literary Source

This phrase is used by Thomas Carlyle in his novel, where he tells about virtues and of silence. It goes on as, “Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves together, into the daylight of Life… Speech too is great, but not the greatest. As the Swiss Inscription says: Sprecfien ist silbern, Schweigen ist golden (“Speech is silvern, Silence is golden”); or as I might rather express it: “Speech is of Time, Silence is of Eternity.”

( Sartor Resartus )

Literary Analysis

When we are silent and waiting, something great inside us keeps on growing, and silence gives birth to creativity, moreover the more we keep ourselves silent, the less our hearts will be hurt. In the past, silence would be a great way of communication, and more effective than speaking. For instance, often, a silent but angry look from our parents is enough to communicate their disapproval or fury; and it can make us behave in a much better way than harsh scolding. It simply tells us that, when we remain silent and wait, something great keeps us growing, and gives us creativity.

Literary Device

• Metaphor : Gold is used as a metaphor for silence.

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Silence is Golden – Meaning and Examples

December 8, 2022 By Anthony R. Garcia

The saying silence is golden  is a philosophical comment that simply means “silence is very valuable.” (Gold being an enduring symbol of high value.)

This phrase can be understood in several different ways. It can be used to talk about literal silence—no noise, no talking. In this case, we feel that “silence is golden” because it gives us peace of mind. Such as when getting away from the city, into nature:

The silence  in the countryside is golden ; it gives me peace.

In other cases, silence  is golden  means “it is valuable to not talk about something.” We might want someone to keep a secret. Or we might tell children not to talk about a ‘sensitive’ topic, as to avoid awkward or negative outcomes:

Don’t talk about your uncle’s divorce; silence is golden .

Don’t tell anyone about our business plans; silence is golden .

Some people say that this phrase goes back to Ancient Egyptian literature, although we do not have a quotation to show that. The phrase appears in English literature in the 19th century, but the idea that silence has the highest value appears in English beginning in the 14th century, where silence is compared to God and heaven.

More Examples of the Phrase “Silence is Golden” Used in a Sentence

• From having been misunderstood early on in his career, Dhoni has learnt that silence is golden .
• “ Silence is golde n, but shouting is fun” was the Spice Girls’ mantra.
• The silence is golden  and you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.
• Silence is golden , and the Air Buds Pro are a shining example of that.
• Teachers still tell you that eloquence may be silver, but silence is golden .
• Public relations pros often say that silence is golden  if the news is going your way.

silence is golden

• it is often better to say nothing at all
• keeping your mouth shut is a great virtue
• peace and quiet is to be enjoyed

Example Sentences

• Do not tell your mom that I broke her vase! Remember, silence is golden .
• This will stay between us, right? Silence is golden.
• My secretary is more than welcome to stay during the meeting, she won’t betray your confidence. Silence is golden .
• Are you still talking? It feels like it has been hours. Silence is golden .
• “How did you manage to keep quiet when he asked you about his horrible play?” “I didn’t say anything. My mom taught me that silence is golden .”
• I love it when my kids are at school. Silence is golden .
• We are going camping in the woods this weekend. There will be no one around for miles. Silence is golden .

The full idiom is “speech is silver, but silence is golden” meaning that words are important, but sometimes it is better to say nothing. The whole phrase is seldom used and the shortened version is now more well-known.

In 1831, the poet, Thomas Carlyle, translated it from German to English in his novel  Sartor Resartus . In the novel, it reads as “Sprecfienistsilbern, Schweigenist golden meaning “Speech is silver, Silence is golden”

Share your opinions 1 Opinion

When you have so angry that time you stay silence, after pass some time your anger is controlled and dissolved. That time you think only positive.

‒ Gauri zagare August 3, 2020

What's on your mind?

Gold , Silence

Similar Idioms

• spitting image
• kill the goose that lays the golden egg

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Silence Is Golden: A Visual Analysis of A Quiet Place

By Christina Park

Published: July 31, 2019

A horror film is a lot like bleu cheese. You either love it or you hate it. There is rarely ever an in-between. Of those people who do enjoy horror, some watch it purely for the thrill of the scare and the adrenaline rush that keeps your heart pumping and your muscles tense. Others, however, watch horror for the plot and the bone-chilling backstory that messes with your mind and makes you think. Whether you associate with the former or the latter, the 2018 film A Quiet Place has what you are looking for. It has jump-scares, terrifying monsters, and life-or-death odds, but it also has deeper themes interwoven into its gripping plot. Many acclaim the film for its strong portrayal of parental love, the sacrifices that accompany parenting, and the great fears every parent has for their children. Others find feminist ideas about strength and matriarchy in the main female characters. While both of these themes and others are present during the film, the entire plot also encompasses a compelling and overarching message about silence. A Quiet Place combines elements of modern horror with minimal dialogue in a way that emphasizes the art of listening and the value of meaningful communication in the midst of a society that is consumed by countless voices and opinions.

In multiple scenes throughout A Quiet Place , we are given glimpses of media that point toward its questionable role in our society as an outlet for noise. When the characters are seen walking through the abandoned town, newspapers are blowing around among the garbage and other abandoned items on the sidewalks. Instead of just being placed there as a filler or thoughtless prop, these papers add to the underlying plot. A few minutes into the first scene, a newspaper blows open and the front page is visible for a moment. It reads "It's Sound!" in large letters, referring to the realization that the creatures hunt using sound. Here, only a single, silent form of media is surviving in a world where noise is deadly. This hints at the notion that modern forms of media, which are often loud and overbearing, are not as important as they may seem. In an additional scene, we see a strategy room of sorts with a wall of snowy TVs. The appearance of these signal-less TVs shows us that media as we know it today is non-existent in this post-apocalyptic world, while the appearance of the newspapers shows that only a simplistic form of "old-school" media can still manage to survive. When compared with our society today, where we see the media's influence in everything we do, these small scenes beg the question: "What is the real importance of the media?" Today's media is constantly speaking out and adding noise to our lives, whether we want it to or not. When it was simply composed of journalism and newspapers, the media started out much quieter, solely speaking to audiences that wanted to listen. However, the dysfunctional examples of media in the film suggest that the modern media's booming voice is not as important as we may believe, and it may be distracting us from what really matters in the world around us.

In addition to this criticism of deafening media, we can see the representation of the creatures throughout A Quiet Place as yet another archetype for the media-encroached society as it stands today. These creatures have only one acute sense, hearing, and that is the only way they are able to hunt. In this way, they "feed off" of noise in a very literal sense. From the beginning of the film, the creatures seem to be unbeatable, with no small sound getting past their supernatural ears. In a similar but theoretical way to that of the creatures, society also feeds off of noise. Speaking out with one's opinions and beliefs is an inherently powerful thing, just as the creatures are all-powerful throughout the movie. However, these voices and opinions tend to build on each other, answering and arguing with one another until they reach a deafening pitch. By the ending scene of the film, the creatures' weakness is discovered, and it proves to be the same thing that has allowed them to thrive throughout the course of the movie: their sense of hearing. Too high of a pitch, like that created by Regan's malfunctioning hearing aid, is extremely painful to the creatures, debilitating them long enough for the Abbotts to overtake and kill them. Today's examples of heated social media arguments, flashy accusations, and fake news are representative of this dangerously high pitch of noise. Just like the destruction of the creatures, the same noise that society feeds on today may result in its ultimate demise and a state of chaos, if the frequency is allowed to climb any higher.

Another way in which A Quiet Place challenges societal norms with silence is through the eyes, or more literally the ears, of Regan, the daughter of the Abbott family, who can experience the world in ways others deafened by noise cannot. A short time into the movie, viewers are given clues that lead to an important discovery: Regan is deaf. This revelation adds a whole new layer to the plot of the story, while at the same time it lends a new respect to Regan's character. She is tasked with surviving in a world where noise means death, while not knowing what makes noise in the first place. In this way, we see the plot taking on a theme concerning disability in society. Regan portrays the immense difficulties many disabled people have to endure, and she exemplifies the misconceptions many have about the capabilities of this group of people. In an early scene, Regan is shown as irresponsible, and perhaps even culpable for her brother's death, when she gives him a toy that his parents had taken away from him. The toy makes noise, so their parents could only view it as a source of danger. Regan, on the other hand, sees a different perspective because she cannot hear it; she sees her brother's happiness in relation to the toy. In this way, Regan cannot be blamed completely for her actions because she saw a different side of the situation. In a similar way, the movie shows later on that the disabled can be better enabled than any "normal" person to take on certain situations. To that end, disabled people can provide a new perspective that others may not otherwise be able to experience.

The complete lack of music or noise that dominates the film allows us as viewers to connect with Regan and her disability in an intimate way, leading to a deeper appreciation and understanding of her strength and the power of silence. In the moments when we can hear the characters being stalked and chased by creatures, the stress of the situation rises and the suspense of the scene feels much like that of a typical horror film. However, when a similar scene plays out in Regan's perspective and all is quiet, the scene is still suspenseful, but it also takes on a clarity that can only come from silence. Without noise, our senses are not overstimulated, and we can focus better on what we see in the scene. By the end of the movie, we find that it is Regan who provides the main solution to debilitate and kill the creatures, a solution that stems from both her possession of hearing aids and her ability to see situations more clearly. Without her disability, she never could have known that her hearing aids could injure the creatures, and the clarity she experiences in these stressful situations allows her to come to this important conclusion before any of her family. Disability is often treated as a burden that can lower quality of life, but for Regan, it is just a different form of ability. As Regan shows us, silence is a powerful tool that can be used to our advantage if we allow ourselves to find it.

Although I have referred to A Quiet Place as a silent film, it does incorporate minimal sounds that accentuate the underlying messages of meaningful noise. During the most intense scenes, background music typical of horror movies is played, usually meant to build up suspense and thrill when the characters are in a scary situation. The viewer may not even consciously recognize that the music is playing until it abruptly cuts out, and the resulting silence is truly deafening. In these instances, we are meant to be viewing the scene through Regan's point of view. Sometimes we experience complete silence, while other times we experience a slight high-pitched ringing. The stark change from music to silence adds a deeper feeling to the intense scene, one that emphasizes the excessive stimulation that occurs when we are bombarded with noise. The realization that Regan experiences this choked silence all the time relates back to the idea that she sees situations from a different point-of-view, one that exemplifies the art of listening even though she cannot physically hear.

In addition to small samples of music, we are given a handful of powerful scenes in which the characters are able to speak aloud, and the gravity and importance of these situations is amplified by the stark contrast of sound against the silence of the rest of the film. During the two main dialogue scenes at the waterfall and in the sound-proof room, the characters' speeches are still hushed and cautious. There is a sense of physical relief through their facial expressions and body language. Because the characters hardly ever speak aloud to each other, dialogue adds a strong sentiment to the scenes that would had otherwise been lost. This is a direct example of the power of silence and the importance and meaning communication can have when it is not just noise.

From the start, A Quiet Place sets the stage for a powerful message hidden in a clever and entertaining plot. Silence in film is very uncommon, which places this film in a genre all its own. At the same time, it argues a strong point about the future of society and media. Listening to one another, whether it be through speech or action, is truly an art that has been lost in the jumble of media, politics, and social outcry that exists in our society today. Through its setting, plot, characters, creatures, and lack of dialogue, A Quiet Place creates a story that questions society's motives for being distracting and loud. In an interview, director and lead male actor John Krasinski describes the Abbott family's struggle when he says, "Living silently is impossible" ("A Quiet Place," YouTube). This is a fact proved throughout the movie, and it is also something that society struggles with in real life. Yes, living silently is impossible, but living loudly, without stopping to listen every once in a while, is not necessarily the answer either. If we want to avoid the societal "ruins" that the movie suggests, we must work to find a middle ground, where we speak only when we need to, listen fervently to those around us, and work diligently to be more observant and meaningful in our communication with others.

Works Cited

"A Quiet Place (2018) - Director John Krasinski Interview - Paramount Pictures." YouTube , uploaded by Paramount Pictures, 4 Feb. 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe0nJbdqzGE . Accessed 4 Sept. 2018.

"A Quiet Place (2018)." IMDb , www.imdb.com/title/tt6644200/ . Accessed 4 Sept. 2018.

Krasinski, John, director. A Quiet Place . Paramount Pictures, 2018.

• Interpretive arguments about art are often tasked with the difficult challenge of making an original claim and sufficiently grounding it in evidence from the art itself. How does Park's essay navigate those two sides (thesis and evidence)? Does it matter whether the connections that Park is making between the film and "modern media's booming voice" was intended by the film's director and co-writer, John Krasinski? In the absence of directorial intentionality, what evidence does Park use to defend her claims?
• This essay is a visual analysis, but it spends a good portion of its analysis not on the visual but on the audial, on sound. Such a focus is, of course, appropriate to the specific film it's analyzing, but what are the rhetorical ways in which the author perceives sound functioning? Can sound itself be "rhetorical," and if so, how might we understand its rhetorical function in relation to (and independent from) the very thing sound so often produces: language.
• Some readers of this essay may have seen A Quiet Place ; others may not have. Do we have a clear sense of whether Park is writing to one audience or the other? Another way to put it is, what is the ratio of description to analysis in her argument? If you've seen the film, is there too much description? If you haven't, is there too little?

If you'd like to see the original prompt for this essay, please contact Prof. Nathaniel Myers at [email protected] .

Christina Park

The inspiration for Christina Park's "Silence is Golden: A Visual Analysis of A Quiet Place "stems from her interests in psychological thrillers and in complex, evocative plots of both literary and film media. Originally from Tiffin, OH, Christina is a Biological Sciences major and a member of the class of 2022, currently living in Farley Hall. After graduation, she intends to pursue a graduate degree with a concentration in genetics and genomics research. Christina would like to thank her Writing & Rhetoric professor, Dr. Nathaniel Myers, for challenging her to reach outside of her comfort zone and become a stronger, more confident writer.

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Don’t Underestimate the Power of Silence

• Vijay Eswaran

Try this exercise the first hour of your day.

Many of us have forgotten (or even fear) quiet. We live in a world full of noise and chatter. A world wherein our daily routines are inundated with distractions and responsibilities. This practice, called the Sphere of Silence, is a 60-minute routine that can help you stay grounded, focused, and most importantly, remain hopeful when your mind wants to spiral. There is one ground rule: Follow the below steps in complete silence.

• The first half hour is broken down in three 10-minute segments. Spend the first 10 minutes writing your short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. Then, dedicate the next 10-minute set to assessing your progress on the goals you set the previous day.
• Use the final 10 minutes to take note of any unmet goals and assess the reasons why you have not achieved them. This will motivate you to focus on moving forward.
•  Spend the next 20 minutes reading a book, something that teaches you new things or enriches your mind with practical knowledge.
• Spend the first 10 minutes of this step reading a chapter of your book. Then, use the remaining 10 minutes to write down a summary of what you just read by hand to strengthen your ability to process the information, and learn something new.
• Use these last 10 minutes for self-reflection and, if you believe in a higher power, for communicating with God, the Universe, your spirituality, or whatever you prefer. This part of the practice allows you to harness your calm during stressful situations and mindfully choose to stay out of negativity.

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

Last year, the world went into lockdown and our lives changed dramatically. “I’m so tired” was already a status symbol, but burnout and it’s long-lasting impact on our health, has increased. The lines between work and play have blurred.

• VE Vijay Eswaran is an entrepreneur , motivational speaker, philanthropist and the author of the best-selling book In the Sphere of Silence . An economist by training, he is the founder of a multimillion-dollar global business. A well-known thought leader in Asia, he has written and spoken extensively about business, leadership, personal development, and life management. For more of his writing and videos, please follow him on LinkedIn ,   Facebook and Instagram .

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Speech Is Silver But Silence Is Gold (Essay Sample)

Speech is silver but silence is gold.

Time and again, we are reminded that a certain individual has delivered a perfect speech! The speaker is often applauded and praised. For speeches delivered at conferences, seminars, at university lectures and other official cases, they require adequate preparation and detailed proofreading. In other unofficial meetings such as at political rallies, speeches are not formal and the speaker may speak without having to prepare for long. However, the argument that speech is silver but silence is gold has time and again made sense as argued in this paper.

Many a time we have been compelled to turn our backs on friends and colleagues for a reason or two. Among the chief reasons for this is the speech! Some friends opt to speak badly about us and we are left with no option but to severe our ties with them. The tongue is a small but very powerful weapon, it is said. Hence when an individual opts to speak words that harm others, he or she becomes an enemy of more than just the target. In a public place, some speeches earn the speaker much praise while others earn him or her much hatred. One such case is that of President Donald Trump who is loved and hated in an almost equal measure within and outside the United States due to his stand on various issues. He has been vocal in his speech against Muslims and this has landed him hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of haters all over the world. Before he became vocal on his stand against Muslims, he was only known to be a successful business and Muslims harbored no ill feelings or negative attitude against him.

Silence is precious. Without uttering a word, no one can know or read a person’s line of thoughts. It is only after a person opens his mouth and speaks that others can know his views, attitudes, perspectives towards an issue or life, and his behavior. Arrogant speeches, talk that seems to belittle other people, and uttering gibberish or irrelevant words portrays one in a negative light.

Furthermore, many people have suffered losses worth millions or billions of dollars as a result of their speeches. Some have been sued for words that contravene the public law or causing damage to and injuring other’s people’s reputation. In other cases, businesses have lost customers once senior representatives of firms say words that customers interpret to be against their expectations. Such losses and fines could have been avoided through silence. It is better for one to keep quiet and be considered a fool than to say words that immediately cause havoc and hatred.

In other cases, families have been separated as a result of their speech. Negative talk has seen husbands divorce wives, and wives have left their husbands causing suffering to children. It is better for a family member to remain quiet and converse only when necessary than open up and say words that hurt the feelings of other people. Rumors, gossip, innuendoes and other forms of negative talk have been cited in many occasions as key causes of family and friendship breakup. In the long run, a quiet person is more respected than one who does not know how to keep things to him or herself.

In conclusion, silence is golden. Speech may be the key to opening negotiations and letting others know one’s thoughts. However, in some instances, speaking may cause more harm and may damage one’s reputation if he or she does not take into consideration the other people’s feelings, welfare, expectations, and situations. Ultimately, speech is silver but silence proves to be golden.

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An essay on silence

(Photo by Pierre FAVENNEC / AFP)

Silence means absence of sound. It also means absence of noise, that is, absence of that which is realized with the vocal cord or two metals in physical contact or any medium through which sound is communicated. It could also mean prohibition from speaking. Prohibition by the powers-that-be in any setting- the church, school, clan, community, state or country.

In apartheid South Africa, some African activists were banned from speaking to the media. Others were banned from being quoted in the media. Winnie Mandela was banned, for example, from speaking to any audience by the scoundrels in power during the years of struggle. Power holders who are afraid of ideas ban some people from being heard. Such persons are forced into silence.

A prison sentence forces activists into silence too because access to the organs of mass communication or social media are restricted or blocked. Once Nelson Mandela and the other leaders of ANC were sentenced to life imprisonment, the world could not hear their voices till they were released some twenty-seven years later. When Ken Saro Wiwa who championed environmental degradation in the Niger Delta was killed by the Abacha junta, his physical voice was silenced. When war-time Head of State General Yakubu Gowon detained Professor Wole Soyinka in 1967, after the latter returned from Biafran territory, the poet’s voice was silenced, albeit for a while. His silence was loud on world stage. He became a symbol of defiance to a dictator. Before the advent of social media, exile was an automatic imposition of silence in the home country. Not anymore. On social media, you can be heard in your country even if you are on exile in another continent.

Just as there is compelled silence, there is self-imposed silence too. This happens when a man decides to keep his views to himself. Late Chief Bola Ige one time Governor of old Oyo State and later Minister of Justice and Attorney General, spoke about ‘siddon look’ when he was fed up with the shenanigans of the Abacha regime. But silence could also convey a powerful message, sometimes very menacing. To say nothing when one ought to say something could be poignant, pregnant with meaning. It is silence that is often louder than noise or voice. Silence is saying nothing but meaning something. In the polity silence could mean watch or wait and see. It could mean expression of or the result of fear.

Silence which is caused by fear is dangerous to the polity. This is when advisers, close aides and state officials go into the silent mode because the boss may not want to hear their views. They know that if they proffer views that are taboo to the powers-that-be, they would lose their privileges. Of such silence we must beware. It is a sure road to the grave. Silence of this nature, therefore, must be avoided by leaders who wish to succeed.

There is a popular saying: silence means consent. There is yet another saying: silence is golden. These two sayings are applicable in different circumstances. Silence means consent arises when there is an allegation and the victim refuses to deny or confirm the allegations. On the other hand, silence is golden when one is not willing to be dragged into an argument over what he considers frivolous, in the hope that not joining the fray would make the matter go away. Silence could also mean respect for some codes, written and unwritten, especially after one quits the seat of power or falls out with the hierarchy in an organisation. Here it is dignifying to remain silent, not to wash dirty linen in public, not to attract a backlash from those who guard or claim to guard the sanctity of the group.

When one is not sure about a situation, silence is best option. No speech. No noise. Absolute withdrawal from the cacophony. Tongue should be glued to the mouth roof top. Thinking gear should be engaged. One should examine the situation. Sober reflection. This throws the other party into confusion. Words uttered from a confused mind could send mixed messages. Could compound the situation. Could compromise the target. Remember that once words go into the space, they cannot be retrieved. That is why Poet Niyi Osundare says the word is an egg. Once an egg breaks, that is the end of the egg, the end of the matter. Forever. It was the spilled word that ended the career of that big man in politics. That big man in religion. That big man in the bank. That big husband in the family. The power of the spilled egg is anecdotal, archetypal.

Silence could be eerie. Scary. Foreboding. The quiet before the storm. Before the claps of thunder descend on the land. Between the flash of lightning and the clap of the roaring thunder, that silence is not comforting. The word of silence, the message of such silence can be a marker. Not to be taken lightly.

There are times when the presence of a man or a woman or an idea or a reaction means the absence of silence. That which is, is an indication therefore that to be is refusal to be not heard. That presence itself is a sign of provocation or threat to some. But the silence which the scared forces desire is a permanent feature of the cosmos. It is the reason we are here. It is the reason we stand, the reason we walk, the reason we live and the reason we die. Death is silence of a sort. But it is also a sign that we once were.

For some your silence is a threat. Your voice is also a threat, is noise. They would that you do nothing, say nothing, vanish out of existence. Evaporate. Disappear. And not vanish from the planet. Your evaporation should not be on record. No one should know you existed, that you vanished should not be known. Else, your silence through evaporation would be a threat too!

In this article

• Chief Bola Ige
• Nelson Mandela
• Winnie Mandela

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speech is silver, but silence is golden  

proverbial saying, mid 19th century; meaning that discretion can be more valuable than the most eloquent words (see also ... ...

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Living in a Silent World Essay 400-500 Words

Living in a Silent World: Embracing the Beauty and Challenges

In a world filled with constant noise and clamor, the idea of living in a silent world might seem both intriguing and daunting. Imagine a life where the symphony of sounds, from birdsong to laughter, is absent, replaced by a profound stillness that envelops every moment. While the concept of a silent world may evoke feelings of solitude and isolation, it is important to recognize that such a lifestyle carries its own unique beauty and challenges.

Living in a silent world offers a heightened sense of awareness and mindfulness. Without the distractions of auditory stimuli, individuals in this world are often forced to engage more deeply with their other senses. Visual cues become more pronounced, allowing one to appreciate the intricate details of the world around them. The rustling of leaves, the play of light and shadow, and the subtleties of facial expressions take on a newfound significance. This heightened awareness encourages a deeper connection with nature and a more profound understanding of human interaction, relying on nonverbal communication to convey emotions and intentions.

However, existing in a silent world also presents numerous challenges. Communication, a cornerstone of human interaction, transforms into a complex dance of gestures, facial expressions, and written words. The absence of verbal communication requires individuals to cultivate exceptional patience, empathy, and adaptability. Technological advancements have been instrumental in bridging this gap, offering tools such as sign language and text-based communication that enable meaningful interactions. Yet, the potential for misunderstandings and misinterpretations remains, underscoring the need for patience and open-mindedness in embracing diverse forms of expression.

The absence of sound can also profoundly affect emotional well-being. Sound, often taken for granted, plays an integral role in shaping our emotional experiences. The gentle hum of a conversation, the laughter of loved ones, and the soothing rhythms of music all contribute to a rich emotional tapestry. Living in silence might amplify feelings of solitude and lead to a heightened sensitivity to the emotions and energies of those around us. This acute awareness could foster a deeper sense of empathy, as individuals strive to connect with others on a more profound level.

While a silent world may lack the auditory dimensions that define our traditional understanding of life, it is essential to recognize that silence is far from empty. It is a canvas upon which the nuances of existence are painted with clarity and depth. The absence of sound invites introspection, encouraging individuals to embark on journeys of self-discovery and self-expression. In this quiet realm, one’s inner voice becomes more prominent, leading to a greater understanding of personal desires, dreams, and fears.

In conclusion, living in a silent world is a concept that prompts us to reevaluate our relationship with sound, communication, and the world around us. It challenges us to perceive beauty in the subtleties, to forge connections through unconventional means, and to embrace the depth of our own thoughts and emotions. While such a life comes with its share of difficulties, its potential for fostering mindfulness, empathy, and personal growth is immeasurable. In a world that often drowns in noise, the idea of living in a silent world serves as a poignant reminder to cherish the moments of quietude that enrich our lives.

Living in a Silent World Quotes

• “In the silence of nature, I find the essence of existence.” – Meeta Ahluwalia
• “The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” – Ram Dass
• “In the silence of solitude, we find the quiet strength of our souls.” – Unknown
• “Sometimes, the most profound communication occurs in the absence of words.” – Unknown
• “Silence is a source of great strength.” – Lao Tzu
• “The universe is not silent; it is responsive to the inquiries of the soul.” – Amit Ray
• “Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.” – Francis Bacon
• “Silence isn’t empty; it’s full of answers.” – Unknown
• “Embrace the beauty of silence, for it holds the power to heal and transform.” – Unknown
• “Living in a silent world, I hear the whispers of my heart more clearly.” – Unknown

Remember that these quotes capture the essence of living in a silent world and the profound insights that can be gained from embracing silence. They can be interpreted in various ways depending on the context and personal experiences of individuals.

Silence is Gold – Paragraph for children

Silence is gold.

People by nature speak. They speak when they need to be understood and speak when they are misunderstood. They speak to explain and they speak when they seek explanation. But words need to be used with a lot of thought. They need to emerge after deep reflection. Words that are well-chosen and spoken with care serve the purpose for which they are meant. Silence, however, goes a step further. The total absence of words creates an impact even the choicest of words fail to create. Enlightened souls practise silence as a form of devotion and meditation. Mahatma Gandhi practised silence when he was on fasts, not only to conserve his energy, but also to enhance its impact. In order to convey something effectively, sometimes the best thing to do is to remain silent. Your silence will have an impact on others that your words might fail to make. When you think that you are about to enter into a heated argument with someone, it is best for you to remain silent because it will not only save you from a confrontation, but also help you analyse that the there is no point in having the argument. Hence, it is said that silence is golden.

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