Source of Literature This term is used by Thomas Carlyle in his work, The Virtues of Quiet, where he discusses virtues and the virtues of silence. He uses it to describe the effect that a virtuous life has on those who experience it. He begins by discussing the effect that a virtuous life has on those who experience it: "A man may be known by this sign: That he makes his companions better than himself." Then he goes on to discuss the effects of silence on the mind: "Silence is the touchstone of virtue; and he is a wise man who knows how to be silent. It cleanses the mind from all foreign matters; and he is a true philosopher who loves silence. It is the antidote for slander and malice; and he is a true gentleman who practises silence." Carlyle's idea of silence as a virtue was not new at the time of its creation. Ancient philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato also discussed the benefits of silence and how it can improve our minds if we use it properly. However, what is unique about Carlyle's work is his suggestion that silence can also be an attractive quality in itself that should not be ignored. He defines three kinds of silence: golden, silver, and iron.