Attention Quote by William Deresiewicz
“People’s stories are the most personal thing they have, and paying attention to those stories is just about the most important thing you can do for them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Being a Good Listener, 2015
Listening to personal narratives reveals deep identity and fosters genuine connection.
In simple terms: Listening to stories builds empathy.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize listening to others.
Themes
empathy
storytelling
connection
Mood
reflective
compassionate
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- counseling
- teaching
- leadership
- friendship
Key Concepts
psychology
human experience
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you create space for others to share?
- What barriers prevent you from truly listening?
A Different Perspective
Listening alone does not solve problems; action may be needed.
![“[Jane] Austen was not a novelist for nothing: she knew that our stories are what make us human, and that listening to someone else's stories -- entering into their feelings, validating their experiences -- is the highest way of acknowledging their humanity, the sweetest form of usefulness.” quote by William Deresiewicz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2bb/william-deresiewicz-15471_austen_jane-austen-was-not-a-novelist-for-nothi_62623.jpg)
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
