The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as of being heard. Some of the best talkers are, on this account, the worst company - William Hazlitt
Quote
“The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as of being heard. Some of the best talkers are, on this account, the worst company.”
Author
19th-century essayist William Hazlitt
Reference
- On the Conversation of Authors, published in 1820
- wired
- Hazlitt noted that many of his literary acquaintances—who included Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Stendhal, and William Wordsworth—were so keen to show off their wit and intelligence that they lacked the basic civility of listening to others. He instead recommended that we imitate the painter James Northcote, who, he claimed, was the best listener and—as a result—the best converser that he knew. “I never ate or drank with Mr Northcote; but I have lived on his conversation with undiminished relish ever since I can remember,”
Related
- I like to have nice conversations with a man that teach me something, make me mad, make me curious - Renee Zellweiger
- Questions that lead to deeper conversations
- Start a conversation leave the rest to Jehovah
- Build good relationships and real friends
- Listen patiently as Jehovah listened to Abraham
- Listen to others even if they have faulty reasoning
- Listen to others opinions even if you dont agree - Nelson Mandela
- When we listen fully the speaker communicates differently
- Compliment to listen to others opinion - David Henry Thoreau
- Show personal interest by listening
- Share with someone who wants to listen or listen to someone who wants to share - James Clear