What St. Francis and St. Dominic have done, that, by God's grace, I will do.
Saint IgnatiusRead
Be slow to speak, and only after having first listened quietly, so that you may understand the meaning, leanings, and wishes of those who do speak. Thus you will better know when to speak and when to be silent.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Listen carefully before speaking to better understand others' thoughts and needs.
This quote emphasizes the importance of active listening before responding. By taking the time to listen quietly, one can grasp the depth of the speaker's message, intentions, and desires, which leads to more thoughtful and effective communication. Understanding others is key to knowing when to voice your own thoughts and when to remain silent.
Themes
ListeningCommunicationUnderstandingPatienceWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting, I will remind my colleagues to be slow to speak and listen actively to each other's ideas.
More from Saint Ignatius
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In the matter of learning, the difference between the earnest and the careless student stands out clearly. The same holds true in the mastering of passion and the weaknesses to which our nature is subject, as in the acquiring of virtue.
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It is a great delusion in those whose understanding has been darkened by self-love, to think that there is any obedience in the subject who tries to draw the superior to what he wishes.
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He who aims at making an entire and perfect oblation of himself, in addition to his will, must offer his understanding, which is a further and the highest degree of obedience.
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