He who sleeps in continual noise is wakened by silence.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Howells says constant noise masks awareness until silence reveals what is wrong.
- In plain terms
- Silence makes you notice problems noise hides.
- What can you take from it?
- Quiet reveals truths that distraction covers.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does your silence tell you?
- What do you distract yourself from?
Another view
Some people need noise to cope with stress.
More from William Dean Howells
Her mouth is a honey-blossom, No doubt, as the poet sings; But within her lips, the petals, Lurks a cruel bee that stings.
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