An essential part of true listening is the discipline of bracketing, the temporary giving up or setting aside of one's read more

An essential part of true listening is the discipline of bracketing, the temporary giving up or setting aside of one's own prejudices, frames of reference and desires so as to experience as far as possible the speaker's world from the inside, step in inside his or her shoes. This unification of speaker and listener is actually and extension and enlargement of ourselves, and new knowledge is always gained from this. Moreover, since true listening involves bracketing, a setting aside of the self, it also temporarily involves a total acceptance of the other. Sensing this acceptance, the speaker will fell less and less vulnerable and more and more inclined to open up the inner recesses of his or her mind to the listener. As this happens, speaker and listener begin to appreciate each other more and more, and the duet dance of love is begun again. -M. Scott Peck.

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 best time to hold your tongue is the time you feel you must say something or bust. -Josh Billings.

The best time to hold your tongue is the time you feel you must say something or bust. -Josh Billings.

If A equals success, then the formula is A equals X plus Y and Z, with X being work, Y read more

If A equals success, then the formula is A equals X plus Y and Z, with X being work, Y play, and Z keeping your mouth shut.

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

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

Accustomed to the veneer of noise, to the shibboleths of promotion, public relations, and market research, society is suspicious of read more

Accustomed to the veneer of noise, to the shibboleths of promotion, public relations, and market research, society is suspicious of those who value silence. Every person in this life has something to teach me - and as soon as I accept that, I open myself to truly listening. -John Lahr.

But yet she listen'd--'tis enough--
Who listens once will listen twice;
Her heart, be sure, is not read more

But yet she listen'd--'tis enough--
Who listens once will listen twice;
Her heart, be sure, is not of ice,
And one refusal no rebuff.

When you are arguing with a fool, make sure he isn't doing the same thing. -Unknown.

When you are arguing with a fool, make sure he isn't doing the same thing. -Unknown.

A good listener is usually thinking about something else.

A good listener is usually thinking about something else.