“Steel is power. Money is power. But of all the things in all the worlds, words are power.”

― Pierce Brown, Red Rising

Being an author who writes a series where magic is read aloud from rare books, I’m often going on about the importance of spreading knowledge through the written and spoken word. But often it’s better to keep your mouth shut and use those organs on either side of your head.

Slow down for a minute. Listen to the world around you. That’s why French artist Henri Miller placed his sculpture of a giant with its ear tilted to the sky in a busy French square–to remind passersby of just that. It’s a lesson we all could use.

The next time you’re in a meeting, wait to speak until you’ve heard what others have to say. Sitting in a boring presentation? Well, you’re stuck there. Try to actually listen and you may learn something. Favorite song playing on the radio? Turn it up and really think about the words. What is the artist trying to express? 

As Epictetus so wisely said 2,000 years ago: We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. So listen up!

Note to readers: Each week, I share a fantasy quote and indulge my inner philosopher with a brief essay based on said quote. Share your favorite quote with me and I might feature it in a future newsletter! Email: dtkane@dtkane.com.