The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously.
—Hubert Humphrey (1911–78) American Head of State, Politician
When a woman is speaking to you, listen to what she says with her eyes.
—Victor Hugo (1802–85) French Novelist
Lots of people talk to animals…. Not very many listen, though…. That’s the problem.
—Benjamin Hoff American Taoist Writer
His thoughts were slow. His words were few and never formed to glisten. But he was a joy to all his friends, you should have heard him LISTEN!
—Unknown
We only consult the ear because the heart is wanting.
—Blaise Pascal (1623–62) French Mathematician, Physicist, Theologian
Silence is a source of great strength.
—Laozi (fl.6th Century BCE) Chinese Philosopher, Sage
Everything has been said before, but since nobody listens we have to keep going back and beginning all over again.
—Andre Gide (1869–1951) French Novelist
Listen. Don’t explain or justify.
—William G. Dyer (1925–97) American Management Scholar
From listening comes wisdom, and from speaking repentance.
—Italian Proverb
You are educated when you have the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or self-confidence.
—Robert Frost (1874–1963) American Poet
Most men believe that it would benefit them if they could get a little from those who have more. How much more would it benefit them if they would learn a little from those who know more.
—William J. H. Boetcker (1873–1962) American Presbyterian Minister
A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren’t we like that wise old bird?
—Unknown
My wife says I never listen to her. At least I think that’s what she said.
—Unknown
People should talk less and draw more. Personally, I would like to renounce speech altogether and, like organic nature, communicate everything I have to say visually.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
A person hears only what they understand.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while, he knows something.
—Wilson Mizner (1876–1933) American Dramatist
No one every listened themselves out of a job.
—Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933) American Head of State, Lawyer
When I have been listened to and when I have been heard, I am able to re-perceive my world in a new way and to go on. It is astonishing how elements that seem insoluble become soluble when someone listens, how confusions that seem irremediable turn into relatively clear flowing streams when one is heard. I have deeply appreciated the times that I have experienced this sensitive, empathic, concentrated listening.
—Carl Rogers (1902–1987) American Psychologist
To listen is an effort, and just to hear is no merit. A duck hears also.
—Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) Russian-born American Composer, Musician
Give every man your ear, but few thy voice. Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
All speech, written or spoken, is a dead language, until it finds a willing and prepared hearer.
—Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–94) Scottish Novelist
The art of conversation lies in listening.
—Malcolm S. Forbes (1919–1990) American Publisher, Businessperson
There is only one rule to become a good talker, learn how to listen.
—Anonymous
It takes a great man to be a good listener.
—Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933) American Head of State, Lawyer
If speaking is silver, then listening is gold.
—Turkish Proverb
I’m glad I understand that while language is a gift, listening is a responsibility.
—Nikki Giovanni (1943–2024) American Poet, Writer, Commentator
To listen well, is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well, and is as essential to all true conversation.
—Chinese Proverb
Home is where you can say anything you like cause nobody listens to you anyway.
—Unknown
My first rule of conversation is this: I never learn a thing while I’m talking. I realize every morning that nothing I say today will teach me anything, so if I’m going to learn a lot today, I’ll have to do it by listening.
—Larry King (1933–2021) American TV and Radio Personality, Journalist
One often reads about the art of conversation-how it’s dying or what’s needed to make it flourish, or how rare good ones are. But wouldn’t you agree that the infinitely more valuable rara avis is a good listener?
—Malcolm S. Forbes (1919–1990) American Publisher, Businessperson
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