Zeno is said to have noted that we were given two ears and one mouth to listen more than we speak, and the Stoics prized careful speech over quick reaction. So much trouble comes from words launched too fast, the sharp reply, the assumption stated as fact. Listening first costs nothing and saves a great deal. It lets you understand before you answer, and it tells the other person they matter. This isn't about staying silent or swallowing what's true. It's about the small pause before you speak, long enough to choose words you won't have to take back. Most conversations go better when one person is willing to truly listen.

Inspired by the old idea of response not reaction. Written by Ugo Charles.