Communication Quote by Robert L. Wise
““…listening means learning to hear someone's inner world and deepest feelings with far greater attention in order that we don't let our own assumptions get in the way. The dying may speak in images far more akin to dreamland than the world of everyday reality. In order to understand them we have to make adjustments to comprehend a poetic form of expression that is sometimes elusive but actually far more expressive than the world of facts.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Conversation on End‑of‑Life Care, 2019
Listening deeply requires setting aside personal assumptions to hear another’s inner, often poetic, expression, especially when they speak from the brink of death.
In simple terms: Hear beyond facts, attend to feelings and imagery.
Key Takeaway
Suspend judgment, focus on the speaker’s emotional language.
Themes
empathy
communication
death
understanding
Mood
reflective
compassionate
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- counseling sessions
- palliative care meetings
- family conversations
- art therapy
- spiritual guidance
Key Concepts
active listening
poetic perception
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you train yourself to notice when assumptions intervene?
- What practices help you stay present with another’s poetic language?
A Different Perspective
Assumptions can still color perception, making true comprehension difficult.
