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“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” – EPICTETUS

Epictetus’ quote underscores the significance of active listening and thoughtful communication. It suggests that the proportion of having two ears and one mouth is a reminder that we should listen more than we speak. This idea encourages practicing empathy, understanding, and humility in conversations, valuing the insights and perspectives of others before sharing our own thoughts. By prioritizing listening, we can foster better connections, enhance mutual understanding, and engage in more meaningful interactions.

Who is EPICTETUS?

Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher born as a slave in the 1st century AD in the Roman Empire. After gaining his freedom, he taught that true happiness comes from controlling one’s thoughts and actions rather than external events. His teachings, recorded by his student Arrian in Discourses and the Enchiridion, emphasize self-discipline, resilience, and acceptance of fate. Epictetus believed that virtue is the only true good and that suffering comes from our perceptions, not reality itself. His ideas have influenced leaders, soldiers, and philosophers for centuries, shaping modern Stoicism and personal development.