---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There's none as deaf as those who won't…"
description: "\"There's none as deaf as those who won't listen. I get letters. If they are moronic, they go in the wastepaper basket, but if they are reasonable points..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/128/ken-bates-38037_argument_there-s-none-as-deaf-as-those-who-won-t_39081.png"
---

#  There's none as deaf as those who won't listen. I get…

![“There's none as deaf as those who won't listen. I get letters. If they are moronic, they go in the wastepaper basket, but if they are reasonable points, I try to explain. I am planning for the long-term future. I am planning for the long-term future. People say build a team not a hotel, but that…” quote by Ken Bates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/128/ken-bates-38037_argument_there-s-none-as-deaf-as-those-who-won-t_39081.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/128/ken-bates-38037_argument_there-s-none-as-deaf-as-those-who-won-t_39081.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/128/ken-bates-38037_argument_there-s-none-as-deaf-as-those-who-won-t_39081.png)

> “There's none as deaf as those who won't listen. I get letters. If they are moronic, they go in the wastepaper basket, but if they are reasonable points, I try to explain. I am planning for the long-term future. I am planning for the long-term future. People say build a team not a hotel, but that argument is irrelevant. It's like fish or meat”

[Ken Bates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ken-bates/)

## 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 criticizes will to listen, emphasizing selective attention to useful ideas and long‑term strategic thinking over short‑term concerns.

**In simple terms:** Selective listening and strategic focus.

Key Takeaway

Ignore noise, prioritize reasoned input.

Themes

communication strategy leadership critical thinking prioritization

Mood

determined analytical skeptical

Type

advice observation philosophical

When to use this quote

- receiving feedback
- making decisions
- setting long‑term goals
- managing teams

Key Concepts

listening evaluation planning team building

Practical Applications

- advising leaders
- designing feedback systems

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you differentiate valuable criticism from noise?
- What long‑term goals guide your daily actions?

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