Silence is foolish if we are wise, but wise if we are foolish.
—Charles Caleb Colton (c.1780–1832) English Clergyman, Aphorist
Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Silence, when nothing need be said, is the eloquence of discretion.
—Christian Nestell Bovee (1820–1904) American Writer, Aphorist
If men wound you with injuries, meet them with patience: hasty words rankle the wound, soft language dresses it, forgiveness cures it, and oblivion takes away the scar. It is more noble by silence to avoid an injury than by argument to overcome it.
—Francis Beaumont (1584–1616) English Elizabethan Dramatist
Love and let the world know, hate in silence.
—Egyptian Proverb
Silence may be golden, but can you think of a better way to entertain someone than to listen to him?
—Brigham Young (1801–77) American Mormon Leader
We must have reasons for speech but we need none for silence.
—French Proverb
Words can make a deeper scar than silence can heal.
—Unknown
Silence is the sanctuary of the prudent, it conceals not only secrets but also imperfections.
—Zechariah (550–500 BCE) Hebrew Prophet
I do know of those that therefore only are reputed wise, for saying nothing.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
And silence, like a poultice, comes to heal the blows of sound.
—Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809–94) American Physician, Essayist
In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in an clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.
—Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869–1948) Indian Hindu Political leader
From the enlightenment of music comes the wisdom of… silence.
—Unknown
You will find that silence or very gentle words are the most exquisite revenge for insult.
—Indian Proverb
You hesitate to stab me with a word, and know not – silence is the sharper sword.
—Samuel Johnson (1709–84) British Essayist
Only in silence the word,
only in dark the light,
only in dying life:
bright the hawk’s flight
on the empty sky.
—Ursula K. Le Guin (b.1929) American Science Fiction and Fantasy Writer
Truth is violated by falsehood, but outraged by silence.
—Anonymous
Silence is the great teacher, and to learn its lessons you must pay attention to it. There is no substitute for the creative inspiration, knowledge, and stability that come from knowing how to contact your core of inner silence. The great Sufi poet Rumi wrote, “Only let the moving waters calm down, and the sun and moon will be reflected on the surface of your being.”
—Deepak Chopra (b.1946) Indian-born American Physician, Public Speaker, Writer
Silence,—the applause of real and durable impressions.
—Alphonse de Lamartine (1790–1869) French Poet, Politician, Historian
Silence is a trick when it imposes. Pedants and scholars, churchmen and physicians, abound in silent pride.
—Johann Georg Ritter von Zimmermann (1728–95) Swiss Philosophical Writer, Naturalist, Physician
Learn taciturnity and let that be your motto!
—Robert Burns (1759–96) Scottish Poet, Songwriter
Silence is one of the great arts of conversation.
—Cicero (106BCE–43BCE) Roman Philosopher, Orator, Politician, Lawyer
Silence is the door of consent.
—African Proverb
Silence is medication for sorrow.
—Arabic Proverb
Keep your mouth closed until your mind is in gear.
—Unknown
When little is done, little is said; silence is the mother of truth.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Give not thy tongue too great liberty, lest it take thee prisoner. A word unspoken is, like the sword in the scabbard, thine. If vented, thy sword is in another’s hand. If thou desire to be held wise, be so wise as to hold thy tongue.
—Francis Quarles (1592–1644) English Religious Poet
Silence gives us a new way of looking at something.
—Mother Teresa (1910–97) Roman Catholic Missionary, Nun
Silence is the interpreter of happiness.
—Arabic Proverb
Silence is a true friend who never betrays.
—Confucius (551–479 BCE) Chinese Philosopher
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