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About this quote

What does it mean?
People often hold back their best thoughts because they lack an audience to listen.
In plain terms
Many good thoughts go unspoken because no one is there to hear them.
What can you take from it?
Finding listeners is key to sharing deep thoughts.

Where it applies

  • solitude
  • creative work
  • deep conversations

Putting it to work

  • seek active listeners
  • value quiet reflection
  • share ideas courageously

Questions to consider

  • What thoughts do you keep to yourself?
  • Who listens to your best ideas?

Another view

Some thoughts are meant to remain private or internal.

More from Jean Ingelow

  1. A sweeter woman ne'er drew breath Than my sonne's wife, Elizabeth.

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  2. How short our happy days appear! How long the sorrowful!

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  3. But two are walking apart forever And wave their hands for a mute farewell.

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