The importance of silence

When we set out on the path of self-improvement, the first thing we need is knowledge and guidance on what to do, what not to do, how to go about it, the likely hurdles on the way, and how to overcome them.

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A close friend, relative, or a mentor might give helpful advice, and there are hundreds of thousands of books and websites offering tips on how we can develop better focus, self-control, emotional maturity, and productivity.

However, knowledge alone is not sufficient. It helps broaden our understanding of the world and the self, and gives us the tools to make informed decisions in order to improve ourselves. But without reflection and self-awareness, study can become an intellectual exercise. We may memorise all the right points, and then fall into the trap of thinking that our work is done - "Now I know it all". Knowing what to do is easy; doing it appropriately and consistently is where most of us struggle. Self-improvement may require us to change our habits or mindset, which is much harder than just acquiring information. We need to apply knowledge, evaluate our progress, identify mistakes, and adjust our approach. Selfassessment and recalibration of our efforts is best done in silence.