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.

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.

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.

You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time. -M. Scott Peck.

You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time. -M. Scott Peck.

I think I will do nothing for a long time but listen.

I think I will do nothing for a long time but listen.

Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much. -Robert Greenleaf.

Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much. -Robert Greenleaf.

It takes two to speak the truth - one to speak and another to hear. -Thoreau.

It takes two to speak the truth - one to speak and another to hear. -Thoreau.

Everything has been said before, but since nobody listens we have to keep going back and beginning all over again.

Everything has been said before, but since nobody listens we have to keep going back and beginning all over again.

He holds him with his glittering eye--
. . . .
And listens like a three years' read more

He holds him with his glittering eye--
. . . .
And listens like a three years' child.