Put down your phone for a moment, step away from people, and close your eyes. There is silence everywhere, yet something still speaks—the noises inside you. These inner sounds are the unshared fears, doubts, questions, and thoughts that rarely find a listener. The world is filled with such unheard noises, and yet we live in the loudest era in history.

Opinions surround us everywhere—on social media, in schools and universities, on roads, inside homes, and even in barber shops. Everyone seems busy expressing something. Everyone is speaking, reacting, debating, and defending their point of view. Silence, on the other hand, is often misunderstood. Yet, as the philosopher Epictetus wisely said, “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” Sadly, modern life has reversed this balance. Speaking is encouraged; listening is neglected. What our society truly needs today is not more opinions, but a little time and a few people who can patiently listen to unsure thoughts. Listening is an essential human quality, yet it is slowly disappearing. It once acted as a bridge between hearts, allowing people to connect beyond words. Today, it has been reduced to a formality—something we pretend to do while waiting for our turn to speak.
Modern life trains us to speak faster and respond instantly. Social media, in particular, thrives on quick reactions. Comment sections overflow with harsh replies, and endless debates are forced upon us. Anyone who chooses not to reply is often labelled weak, ignorant, or afraid. But silence is not absence—often, it is presence. As the old proverb reminds us, “Silence is golden.” In an age where everyone is speaking, remaining silent can be a rare strength.Silence protects us from useless gossip, toxic conversations, and empty arguments. It allows space for reflection and understanding. I once knew a classmate who barely spoke in class. We assumed she lacked confidence or intelligence because she never raised her hand, even for simple questions. However, when the final examination results were announced, she emerged as the class topper. She listened carefully, absorbed deeply, and chose calm over chaos. That day, I understood the truth in Rumi’s words: “The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.”
Often, it is the silent ones who truly listen when others are hurting. They do not interrupt or judge. They carry worries quietly and store them safely in their hearts. When they finally speak, their words matter because they come from understanding rather than impulse.Young adults today are beginning to realise this loss deeply. In their twenties, many believe that being loud is the key to being noticed and respected. Over time, life teaches them otherwise. Constant talking brings exhaustion, not clarity. Endless arguments create anxiety, not growth. Somewhere between burnout and maturity, listening begins to feel more powerful than speaking.
The lost art of listening can still be revived through small, conscious choices—putting phones away during conversations, allowing others to finish their thoughts, asking questions instead of assuming answers, and responding thoughtfully rather than instantly. In a noisy world, listening becomes a quiet act of resistance. Perhaps the future does not need louder voices, but kinder ears. In the end, what people truly seek is not attention, but understanding.

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