--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Do they listen?\" He held up a finger…" description: "\"“Do they listen?\" He held up a finger. \"Every year one does,\" he said, ginning, \"But that one makes it worthwhile. Even Jesus only did twelve. I try to..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/deb/abraham-verghese-1533_religion_do-they-listen-he-held-up-a-finger-every_41617.png" --- # Do they listen?" He held up a finger. "Every year one… ![“Do they listen?" He held up a finger. "Every year one does," he said, ginning, "But that one makes it worthwhile. Even Jesus only did twelve. I try to get one a year.” quote by Abraham Verghese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/deb/abraham-verghese-1533_religion_do-they-listen-he-held-up-a-finger-every_41617.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/deb/abraham-verghese-1533_religion_do-they-listen-he-held-up-a-finger-every_41617.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/deb/abraham-verghese-1533_religion_do-they-listen-he-held-up-a-finger-every_41617.png) > ““Do they listen?" He held up a finger. "Every year one does," he said, ginning, "But that one makes it worthwhile. Even Jesus only did twelve. I try to get one a year.”” [Abraham Verghese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-verghese/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker emphasizes the rarity and value of truly listening, noting that even a single attentive moment each year is precious, likening it to the limited number of times Jesus listened attentively. **In simple terms:** Listening is rare but valuable. Key Takeaway One genuine listening per year is worthwhile. Themes Communication Empathy Mindfulness Spirituality Human Connection Mood Reflective Hopeful Introspective Type Philosophical Anecdotal Spiritual When to use this quote - Therapeutic sessions - Mentoring relationships - Personal reflection - Leadership feedback Key Concepts Active Listening Quality over Quantity Intentional Presence Practical Applications - Improving interpersonal relationships - Enhancing counseling effectiveness Questions to Reflect On - How often do you truly listen to others? - What barriers prevent deeper listening? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Teaching](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/teaching/) ## Related quotes > [A year does go by kind of fast.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mykayla-skinner/a-year-does-go-by-kind-of-fast/) [MyKayla Skinner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mykayla-skinner/) > [If you win, fine, if you don't, you try again next year.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/guy-forget/if-you-win-fine-if-you-don-t-you-try-again-next-year/) [Guy Forget](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/guy-forget/) > [I will hold Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-dickens/i-will-hold-christmas-in-my-heart-and-try-to-keep-it-all-the-year/) [Charles Dickens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-dickens/) > [I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-dickens/i-will-honor-christmas-in-my-heart-and-try-to-keep-it-all-the-year/) [Charles Dickens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-dickens/) > [First day of school: I'm actually gonna try this year! 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