What is talkativeness ? It is the result of doing away…
““What is talkativeness ? It is the result of doing away with the vital distinction between talking and keeping silent. Only some one who knows how to remain essentially silent can really talk--and act essentially. Silence is the essence of inwardness, of the inner life. Mere gossip anticipates real talk, and to express what is still in thought weakens action by forestalling it. But some one who can really talk, because he knows how to remain silent, will not talk about a variety of things but about one thing only, and he will know when to talk and when to remain silent. Where mere scope is concerned, talkativeness wins the day, it jabbers on incessantly about everything and nothing...In a passionate age great events (for they correspond to each other) give people something to talk about. And when the event is over, and silence follows, there is still something to remember and to think about while one remains silent. But talkativeness is afraid of the silence which reveals its emptiness.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Talkativeness stems from failing to distinguish speaking from silence; true speech requires inner silence and focus on essential matters.
In simple terms: Talk is best when preceded by silence and focus.
Key Takeaway
Speak only when essential.
Themes
silence
speech
inner life
focus
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- creative work
- personal reflection
- meditation
Key Concepts
existentialism
self‑discipline
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice silence before speaking?
- When is it better to stay quiet?
A Different Perspective
Silence can be uncomfortable and may be misinterpreted as lack of engagement.