I have learned as much about writing about my people by listening to blues and jazz and spirituals as I read more

I have learned as much about writing about my people by listening to blues and jazz and spirituals as I have by reading novels.

A good listener tries to understand what the other person is saying. In the end he may disagree sharply, but read more

A good listener tries to understand what the other person is saying. In the end he may disagree sharply, but because he disagrees, he wants to know exactly what it is he is disagreeing with.

The ear is something we cannot close at will, and we are the poorer for it.

The ear is something we cannot close at will, and we are the poorer for it.

And he goes through life, his mouth open, and his mind closed.

And he goes through life, his mouth open, and his mind closed.

The opposite of talking is not listening. The opposite of talking is waiting. -Fran Lebowitz.

The opposite of talking is not listening. The opposite of talking is waiting. -Fran Lebowitz.

Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery. -Dr Joyce Brothers.

Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery. -Dr Joyce Brothers.

The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention.

The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention.

A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he knows something.

A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he knows something.

We have two ears and one tongue so that we would listen more and talk less.

We have two ears and one tongue so that we would listen more and talk less.