Chatter Quote by Madeleine L'Engle
““Silence is dangerous We never permit it. Our vocabulary may not be large But there is no question that we put it to constant use. That’s what things are for: to be used. And used. And used. Who knows? If we didn’t talk and chatter from morning till night (it doesn’t matter whether or not anybody listens; that’s not the point), Words might start using us. We never allow silence. If sometimes it catches us unaware, I am the first to screech across it And shatter it to echoing fragments. You never can tell: if I listened to the silence I might discover that I am real.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on language and silence, 1998
Silence is avoided because people fear being unheard; constant talk prevents being used by silence
In simple terms: People fill silence with talk to avoid feeling used by quiet
Key Takeaway
Recognize the value of silence and listen to it
Themes
communication
silence
self-awareness
Mood
contemplative
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- meditation
- creative writing
- therapy sessions
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
existential risk
psychology of speech
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- What might you learn about yourself if you truly listened to silence?
- How does constant chatter affect your mental clarity?
A Different Perspective
Silence can reveal uncomfortable truths about oneself
