The Washington herald., 1915-08-25
The Value of Silence.
by JOHN d. BARRY.

The Value Of Silence.
by JOHN d. BARRY.
| There are trying moments when, under stress
OF excitement perhaps of resentment, we are
tempted to ill-considered words If we have
command of silence we may protect ourselves
! from irreparable harm. The least said being
soonest mended, if nothing is said at all there
may be complete avoidance of damage
| But, OF course, silence may be abused.
There are occasions when it may create ill-feeling
Even then, however, the forces behind it may be
! OF help, warning u.s. if must speak, to know
what to avoid saying.
| In controversy the silent people have a great
advantage. They know how confusing and irr-
tating the talk is likely to be. They reply only
to the essential provided of course, they have to
reply at all. They develop genius for avoiding
the unesscntial which includes the recriminating
and the irritating.
OF late l have been reading the essay on
Silence" by Maeterlinck. 1t is one OF his most
beautiful essays.
In spite OF making several quotations from that
eminently practical philosopher, Carlyle, he deals
with the subject somewhat Enthusiastically Occa-
sionaly he gives the impression that he is talking
as much for sound for TRUTH but he says many
convincing things.
Everyone who thinks about the wonderful
meaning OF silence ought to read this essay
Perhaps the most suggestive remark in it is the
quotation from the Maeterlnck says he holds
most dear, evidently the woman who is now his
wife, I'VE do not know each other yet. We have
not yet dared to be silent together"
What hard test the test OF silence NAV some
times be! Usually have to know people very
well to be able to endure being with them in
silence. Often it is long time before we even
venture to take the risk. The silence of few
moments only may cause distress.
And yet VIC may occasionally meet some one
that on first acquaintance find ourselves at
case with. 1t is if kind OF harmony were
instantly established between u.s.
When two people understand each other what
wonderful things they convey in silence
know man who takes long walks through the
country with friend. For stretch of many
miles they will not speak. In that silent compan-
onship they find one OF the greatest pleasures of
companionship.
On the other hand, as Macterlinck so beauti-
FULLY points out, there silcnces, perhaps be-
tween those who closely united which seem
TO open the door for subtle resentments and en- |
mites.
Some people never learn to appreciate the
beauty OF silence. Perhaps it is an appreciation
that cannot be acquired. Perhaps it comes by
nature
Such people seem to believe that all apparently
human relations must express themselves in
speech. They keep up an incessant chatter and
they try to make others chatter in return They
are among the most atiguing influences in the
world Often they tormcnted with personal
curiosity. They ask searching questions and if
they do not receive spontaneous and full replies
they become suspicious hurt.
There are those who never silent even when
they are alone. Sometimes they actually speak
aloud TO themselves Even when they don't speak
aloud their minds in turmoil
Indeed there few who can achieve per-
cct silence with themselves. For silence is essen
tally a quality OF the spirit. And rare is the
human creature capable Of maintaining the spirit
hat at will can command and enjoy silence.
Why is it that many of us cannot endure
being alone? Is it not because VIC have no silence
within us, because have allowed the mind to
become like a battlefield
Here may be the real secret OF silence 1t NAV
nc IN the quality OF impression that we receive
n our consciousness If we allow ourselves to be
impressed by ugly things, by thoughts of strife c
and bitterness and hate, there is no silence for
IS But ii We receive only impressions OF beauty
md love, then VIC need never be afraid. In our 4
eivcs VIC shall find the companionship of peace c
NC shall be constantly solaccd with silence y
There is another wonderful attribute OF silence y
t persists even in the presence of turmoil c
Haven't you seen the silent people surrounded $
With strife and haven't you noticed how un-- +,
roublcd they have been, how scrcneo They arc 5
he masters OF silence. They arc themselves ;
ilence. 4
1t is in the presence of such people throughout
he world here and there, in the most unexpected .
'laccs known only to the few about them that
arlyle hnds the security Of our institutions, the
ope of the future.
Saves Us Trouble. t