Listen to Speak

 

There is a relatively new Japanese proverb that says, “A good listener is a good speaker.” It means that someone who listens to others with empathy and depth can speak in ways that truly resonate with the other person’s perspective—making them a more effective communicator. This simple idea holds powerful truth and proves effective in many aspects of human relationships. In a time when individual self-interest often takes priority, this mindset reminds us that genuine altruism can, in fact, become a virtue that benefits the self as well. It also plays a crucial role in preserving and nurturing social harmony. Of course, living by this proverb isn’t always easy. But it is a principle well worth remembering—and striving to practice—in our daily lives.

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