Throughout all histories and cultures, the primary goal in life seems to be, to become great. The definition of “great” may differ, depending on a person’s own moral code, but the overall goal is still the same. Defining greatness on a personal level is simple enough, but making a plan to achieve it is where most people fail. Those who succeed write their stories in the forms of autobiographies, to try and be a guiding light to those on the same path, and while these stories differ considerably from one another, they seem to all share a few common themes. One of the most important themes involves communicating only when a situation will be improved because of it. This rule is sometimes expressed as “talk less, say more” or “Always think before
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I believe that language- all language- is a gift, and that communication in general is a great blessing. How lonely it would be if we had only our own ideas to keep us company! Since language is so important, I believe that it should not be wasted. This also comes in part from the understanding that every person has a limited amount of breath- in other words, a limited lifespan. With this in mind, it makes no sense to waste breath on conversations that yield no benefit to you or others, or on cruel words that accomplish nothing. My grandfather, Tadao, is nearing the age of 90, so speaking takes more effort from him that it does a younger man. He also has an understanding that his breaths are limited, and that each one must be treated with care. As a result of these two complications, my grandfather speaks little. When he does however, those around him are far more inclined to listen. He is the most powerful speaker I know, because he does not waste a word. This does not mean he is cold or distant, simply that what he has to say means more, both in compliment and in criticism. Though speaking is not laborious for me, it is useful to pretend that it is, and thus make sure my words are not …show more content…
Using great care in choosing the time and phrases in which to speak will allow you the opportunity to learn much more than dominating a conversation with your own voice will. With many great people throughout history (Malcom-X, Mahatama Ghandi, a few that come to mind), it tends to be that the less they speak, the more poignant their words become, and the more attentive listeners are.When people are willing to listen to you, that gives you the ability to make change, and mold the world in your way. This rambling is not meant as an expression of contempt toward exchanging ideas, which is still a very valuable part of personal and cultural growth, but more meant to stress the importance of making conversation a true exchange, with equal contribution from both ends. The path to achieving any definition of greatness is a complicated one with many possibilities for wrong turn, but if you allow yourself to listen to those who have walked before you, or those on the path beside you, you can use their experiences to find the way. Talking less, saying more, earning the attention of others, all part of a cause and effect chain that leads to
I believe that language- all language- is a gift, and that communication in general is a great blessing. How lonely it would be if we had only our own ideas to keep us company! Since language is so important, I believe that it should not be wasted. This also comes in part from the understanding that every person has a limited amount of breath- in other words, a limited lifespan. With this in mind, it makes no sense to waste breath on conversations that yield no benefit to you or others, or on cruel words that accomplish nothing. My grandfather, Tadao, is nearing the age of 90, so speaking takes more effort from him that it does a younger man. He also has an understanding that his breaths are limited, and that each one must be treated with care. As a result of these two complications, my grandfather speaks little. When he does however, those around him are far more inclined to listen. He is the most powerful speaker I know, because he does not waste a word. This does not mean he is cold or distant, simply that what he has to say means more, both in compliment and in criticism. Though speaking is not laborious for me, it is useful to pretend that it is, and thus make sure my words are not …show more content…
Using great care in choosing the time and phrases in which to speak will allow you the opportunity to learn much more than dominating a conversation with your own voice will. With many great people throughout history (Malcom-X, Mahatama Ghandi, a few that come to mind), it tends to be that the less they speak, the more poignant their words become, and the more attentive listeners are.When people are willing to listen to you, that gives you the ability to make change, and mold the world in your way. This rambling is not meant as an expression of contempt toward exchanging ideas, which is still a very valuable part of personal and cultural growth, but more meant to stress the importance of making conversation a true exchange, with equal contribution from both ends. The path to achieving any definition of greatness is a complicated one with many possibilities for wrong turn, but if you allow yourself to listen to those who have walked before you, or those on the path beside you, you can use their experiences to find the way. Talking less, saying more, earning the attention of others, all part of a cause and effect chain that leads to