7 ways you can improve your life with the power of silence

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1) Never defend yourself

Epictetus once said:

“If anyone tells you that such a person speaks ill of you, don’t make excuses about what is said of you, but answer: He does not know my other faults, else he would not have mentioned only these.”

Weak people hide their flaws and show off their strengths, wise people boast about their flaws without showing off their strengths.

Don’t be blinded by your own ego.

2) Never complain

Marcus Aurelius once said:

“Don’t be overheard complaining, not even to yourself”

Complaining is the easiest and most useless thing to do.

If it’s within your power to change a situation, do so. If it isn’t, change your perspective.

The mind gives up and gives in before the body does.

Endurance, perseverance and composure are stoic virtues.

3) Show, don’t tell

Marcus Aurelius said;

“Waste no time arguing how a good man should be. Be one”

Success is the result of what you do, not what you say you’ll do.

Convince with results, not with words.

4) Respond, don’t react

Cato the elder:

“The first virtue is to resist the tongue. He approaches nearest to God he who knows how to be silent.

A clear indicator of wisdom is how one responds to hostility.

Never give anyone the privilege of creating anger in you.

Be cool, calm and collected at all times.

5) Choose careful what you speak about

Pythagoras said:

“Be silent, or let thy words be worth more than silence.”

Waste no time indulging in celebrity gossips, backbiting or childish arguments.

6) Sit still

To quote Pascal:

“All of mans problem arises from his inability to sit in a quiet room alone.”

Overindulging in screen activities dulls the mind.

Learn to be comfortable in boredom, you don’t always have to be stimulated.

7) Seek truth

Naval rightly said:

“The closer you are to truth, the more silent you become.”

This is because inner silence is the mother of all virtues and self-discoveries.

Silence speaks loudest, you just have to learn to listen...