--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is not speaking that breaks our…" description: "\"“It is not speaking that breaks our silence, but the anxiety to be heard. The words of the proud man impose silence on all others, so that he alone may..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4d1/thomas-merton-231_humble-man_it-is-not-speaking-that-breaks-our-silen_3232697.jpg" --- # It is not speaking that breaks our silence, but the… ![“It is not speaking that breaks our silence, but the anxiety to be heard. The words of the proud man impose silence on all others, so that he alone may be heard. The humble man speaks only in order to be spoken to.” quote by Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4d1/thomas-merton-231_humble-man_it-is-not-speaking-that-breaks-our-silen_3232697.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4d1/thomas-merton-231_humble-man_it-is-not-speaking-that-breaks-our-silen_3232697.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4d1/thomas-merton-231_humble-man_it-is-not-speaking-that-breaks-our-silen_3232697.jpg) > ““It is not speaking that breaks our silence, but the anxiety to be heard. The words of the proud man impose silence on all others, so that he alone may be heard. The humble man speaks only in order to be spoken to.”” [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Anxiety to be heard, not speaking, creates silence; pride enforces silence, humility seeks dialogue. **In simple terms:** Fear of being heard creates silence; pride silences, humility invites conversation. Key Takeaway Listen more, speak less, value humility. Themes silence pride humility communication Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - public speaking - personal relationships - leadership - conflict resolution Key Concepts existential anxiety power dynamics Questions to Reflect On - How does your fear of being heard affect your interactions? - When can pride be constructive? A Different Perspective Pride can also inspire positive change when balanced with humility. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Breaks Silence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/breaks-silence-1764144/) [Humble man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humble-man/) [Silence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/silence/) [Silence Anxiety](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/silence-anxiety-5028641/) [Silence Heard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/silence-heard-739379/) [Words Proud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/words-proud-6122118/) ## Related quotes > [When we turn our backs on feelings we should deal with, they fester and grow and ultimately consume us. Silence is denial. Silence is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-l-taylor/when-we-turn-our-backs-on-feelings-we-should-deal-with-they-fester/) [Susan L. 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(If you ask how I knew…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/in-the-silence-i-heard-bastet-who-had-retreated-under-the-bed/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Thomas Merton > [“Let no one hope to find in contemplation an escape from conflict, from anguish or from doubt. On the contrary, the deep, inexpressible certitude…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/let-no-one-hope-to-find-in-contemplation-an-escape-from-conflict-from/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [If nothing that can be seen can either be God or represent Him to us as He is, then to find God we must…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/if-nothing-that-can-be-seen-can-either-be-god-or-represent-him-to-us/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [It is almost impossible to overestimate the value of true humility and its power in the spiritual life. 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