Wise men [sic], when in doubt whether to speak or keep quiet, give themselves the benefit of the doubt, and remain silent.
– Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich
There is a fear of speaking out, whether its because we think our opinions don’t matter or that we’re not knowledgeable enough. Often it is this fear that consumes our motivation to achieve, to learn, to ask that question no matter how simple or straight forward the answer might be even though the answer will enlighten our understanding.
If only we were all wise enough to heed Napoleon Hill’s advice. The fact is we aren’t. We don’t know enough to even begin to consider staying silent and even if we were…that’s not to say we should mistake silence for profundity…