Antonio Gramsci, the late Italian Marxist, philosopher, writer and politician, shares this reflection – the propensity to listen, to understand and to improve is itself culture. Arrogance, self-conceit and inability to listen are ignorance regardless of the titles exhibited.
I’ve observed something in my world – almost everyone has something to say; an opinion or suggestion to offer on practically every issue, including the ones they know little or nothing about. They want to be listened to and their opinions carried out immediately. If not, they get offended and bolt out. But few, very few actually, have time to sit down, listen and consider the opinions of others.
If you don’t want to hear others, then you are not ready to be heard. I believe that the ability to listen to others is a great virtue.
The wise man Solomon said, “even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (Proverbs 17:28)
And remember the counsel of Apostle James, “… let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). I guess that sums it up.
Related Article: Effective leaders listen to understand.
