What a great quote from Abraham Lincoln! In fact, my very first book, A Happy Life for Busy People, begins with a quote from this gent. Back to the quote at hand. How many of us know someone who seems to have something to say about everything? Worse yet, how many of us know someone who is under the impression they know everything? Worst of all is someone who has both of these beliefs.
I speak more than the average individual. It is actually tied to what I do for a living. Still, I know there are times when less is more. One of those times is when you do not have knowledge on the subject you are speaking of. With elections coming up in the United States, this will happen a lot more this year. People often confuse opinion with facts and end up looking foolish. Often, the smartest phrase to utter is “I don’t know.” It shows that you are self-confident enough to know that you do not know everything. Nobody does.
There is a gentleman in the self-improvement field who does this quite often. He has a degree in psychology and is quite knowledgeable when it comes to human behavior. This same gentleman often feels compelled to speak on things like climate change, politics and other avenues that he is not an expert on. I admire what he has to say in his field. He truly has some great expertise. When he speaks as if he has the same level of expertise in these other arenas, he ends up sounding foolish.
This week, let us keep the quote from Mr. Lincoln in mind. Let us fight the urge to have something to say on every subject. The creator did give us two ears and one mouth for a reason. That is to listen twice as much as we speak. Here is an added thought. When we listen we may learn something. When we are speaking, we are only repeating what we already know, or think we know.
SECRET 2 AN AMAZING LIFE 
So inspiring, in this day In age. A couple years ago, my daughter was upset with me, because we were talking about a hot topic at that time. I disagreed with her, when she said that if I remained silent, it was contributing to the ignorance. I expressed that sometimes, it’s best not to say anything. Her generation doesn’t believe that. Maybe sometimes, it takes getting older, to put thoughts — like I have — into perspective. It amazes me, the intelligence and wisdom, of a person, that can so eloquently put their words into such a powerful phrase, as Abraham Lincoln did. I’m running off your message for today, to keep close and present, for inspiration. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In a world filled with avenues to express yourself, it is hard for people to realize they do not have to. Our words have power and knowing when that power can be negative is a skill that often takes the wisdom of age to master. The younger generation are surrounded by people who often express themselves in a negative light, just to get attention and publicity. You are setting a good example by knowing when to remain silent. Thank you so much for your feedback.
LikeLike
Keep spreading the positive light. A few years ago — I cut a little corner out of a magazine that said: “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle — or, the mirror that reflects it.” — Edith Wharton.
Wishing you a light-filled Monday.
LikeLiked by 1 person