The right to say nothing gives us the chance to say things worth saying.

Continuing the theme of creating space from yesterday’s post, I love this wonderful observation by French Philosopher Gilles Deleuze. 

“What a relief to have nothing to say, the right to say nothing, because only then is there a chance of framing the rare, or ever rarer, the thing that might be worth saying.”

Lately — when I do remember to do it — before saying something at a meeting, or to my wife, I ask myself: “Is this going to be helpful to anyone?” or “Is this going to bring us closer together?” 

I’m surprised by how often the answer is, actually, “no.” 

An art to continue to practice….