Skip to content

Communication Quote by Tom Robbins

“Silence is a mirror. So faithful, and yet so unexpected, is the relection it can throw back at men that they will go to almost any length to avoid seeing themselves in it, and if ever its duplicating surface is temporarily wiped clean of modern life's ubiquitous hubbub, they will hasten to fog it…” quote by Tom Robbins
Download Open image
““Silence is a mirror. So faithful, and yet so unexpected, is the relection it can throw back at men that they will go to almost any length to avoid seeing themselves in it, and if ever its duplicating surface is temporarily wiped clean of modern life's ubiquitous hubbub, they will hasten to fog it over with such desperate personal noise devices as polite conversation, hummin, whistling, imaginary dialogue, schizophrenic babble, or, should it come to that, the clandestine cannonry of their own farting. Only in sleep is silence tolerated, and even there, most dreams have soundtracks. Since meditation is a deliberate descent into deep internal hush, a mute stare into the ultimate looking glass, it is regarded with suspicion by the nattering masses; with hostility by buisness interests (people sitting in silent serenity are seldom consuming goods); and with spite by a clergy whose windy authority it is seen to undermine and whose bombastic livelihood it is perceived to threaten.””

Tom Robbins

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Art of Silence, 1995

Silence reflects us deeply, yet people avoid it, filling gaps with noise; meditation, which embraces silence, is feared by society, business, and religion.

In simple terms: People avoid silence and fill it with noise; meditation is feared.

Key Takeaway

Practice quiet reflection despite distractions.

Themes

psychology philosophy culture

Mood

contemplative critical

Type

philosophical social

When to use this quote

  • Meditation retreats
  • quiet workspaces
  • personal introspection
  • public speaking
  • media consumption

Key Concepts

self-awareness social conformity mindfulness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does your inner silence reveal?
  • How does society profit from constant noise?
A Different Perspective

Silence can be uncomfortable; not everyone can access quiet spaces.

3.0 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Tom Robbins

Explore all 994 Tom Robbins quotes

More Communication quotes

Browse all 21,554 Communication quotes