He was full of wisdom, advanced in age; and we know that silence is the trait of the wise. After three years had passed, through which he persisted in asking God to help him that he may be saved, he heard a voice saying to him, “Flee, keep silence, and be still.”37 And these three words are suitable, as an approach, for all. For when you are surrounded by troubles, when you feel unsure toward something, when you need to take a critical decision, or when you are approaching a new stage [in your life], do this: “Flee, keep silence, and be still.”
Abba Arsenius The Tutor of the Emperor’s Sons
Bishop Macarius
Category: SILENCE
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After being an eloquent rhetorician, he becomes the most renowned model of silence. And he, whom they could not find a better tutor than him in Rome, becomes passionate about learning from others, and with the least nod.
on St Arsenius the Great -
CHAPTER IV: How vainglory attacks a monk on the right had and on the left. For where the devil cannot create vainglory in a man by means of his well-fitting and neat dress, he tries to introduce it by means of a dirty, cheap, and uncared-for style. If he cannot drag a man down by honour, he overthrows him by humility. If he cannot make him puffed up by the grace of knowledge and eloquence, he pulls him down by the weight of silence. If a man fasts openly, he is attacked by the pride of vanity.
John Cassian, Institutes
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The ability to hold yourself from talking is wisdom.
—Fr. Mina Dimitri -
If there is a problem in my life, my fight is not with people, my fight is with God. I’m on my knees talking to God. I’m not fighting with people, I’m not talking to people.
—Fr. Mina Dimitri -
Conversations are the basis of relationships, and relationships are built on trust. You will find that the more open you are about the limitations of your knowledge, the more weight people will give to your opinion when you offer it. If you don’t know something, just say “I don’t know.” Those three words can strengthen the bond between you and another person. And just as important, they are a gateway to further exploration and growth. You can’t learn unless you admit that you have something to learn.
We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter
Celeste Headlee -
Abba Joseph says to Abba Nisteros: “What am I to do with my tongue for I cannot control it?” The elder said to him: “So when you speak, do you experience repose?” “No,” he said to him, and the elder said: “If you do not experience repose, why do you speak? Better to keep quiet; and if a conversation is taking place, hear a great deal rather than speak.”
Give Me a Word: The Alphabetical Sayings of the Desert Fathers
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Photography is quiet. And when the world is screaming at you, there is tremendous power in stillness.
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Once you put the words out, you can’t them back in. You can say sorry, you can confess, but it’s too late.
—Fr. Gabriel Yacoub
SO GOOD QUOTES 