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

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

A good listener is usually thinking about something else.

A good listener is usually thinking about something else.

A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke read more

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?

Much silence makes a powerful noise. -African proverb.

Much silence makes a powerful noise. -African proverb.

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.

No man would listen to you talk if he did not know that it was his turn next.

No man would listen to you talk if he did not know that it was his turn next.

If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he read more

If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear. -A. A. Milne.

I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what read more

I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.

Listen. Don't explain or justify.

Listen. Don't explain or justify.