Saturday, July 25, 2009



"I have often thought if the minds of men were laid open, we should see but little difference between that of the wise man and that of the fool. There are infinite reveries, numberless extravagances, and a perpetual train of vanities which pass through both. The great difference is, that the first knows how to pick and cull his thoughts for conversation, by suppressing some, and communicating others; whereas the others let them all indifferently fly out in words.


This sort of discretion, however, has no place in private conversations between intimate friends. On such occasions the wisest men very often talk like the weakest; for indeed the talking with a friend is nothing else but thinking aloud."








I agree with this quote as a generality; I think often young people think that older people are of a completely different mind set and because of that, they are reluctant to engage them in conversation. This is not to suggest that there is no maturing, no developing tastes for higher interests; but rather to point out that all mankind is in a struggle to leave behind foolish things, and if we knew the hearts of men like an open book, we would be surprised to see how little difference there really is. It makes me smile to catch an old couple talking when they think they are alone, the guard comes down, minds are unfettered, and their youth is on display. But once you enter the room, their conversation is culled and picked for general audience :)


Addison, photo by Marco Ruggiero




3 comments:

MaryMGlynn said...

I agree. Nothing bothers me more than to see some young people be bossy and rude to the elderly. Nothing upsets me more to see abuse to the elderly and impatience. This post is so true!

Mel said...

Fred, I've been thinking about this SO MUCH lately! I tell you, being a people-pleaser, and a Christian in today's world and culture, I have literally "picked and culled" my words and thoughts until nary a word is left! I hear the people around me chatting and laughing freely about mutual interests, popular TV shows, sports and other common topics, and I realize something... I've nearly completely lost the art of talking about anything except God. I love thinking and talking and writing about God, but I need to remember how to talk about other things, too, with passion and enthusiasm. I pray that He will help me to do that in the freedom that is found in Christ, and in a way that honors Him.

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hi Fred:)

This is a very profound and meaningful post.

God has given us two eyes, two ears and only one mouth. The reason is to see more, listen more and talk less. But most of us do exactly opposite. We love to talk more and forget to listen to what others are saying. We want to be the centre of attraction and in the process we unknowingly make many enemies.

Words are more powerful than swords. A sword wound will heal but a word wound will never heal. Words once spoken cannot be taken back. We may apologize yet it remains firmly embedded in the receivers heart.

Have a nice day Fred:)
Joseph