“In much of your talking, thinking is half murdered”. This verse in Khalil Gibran’s poem, “On Talking”, is fascinating. How can talking be associated with such a strong and sinister word like murder? And what does it even mean for thinking to be half murdered? It’s such a powerful and memorable way to frame talking that sometimes I reflect on it to remind myself to listen more before talking.
In Gibran’s poem, the next verse is less provocative, but very profound: “For thought is a bird of space, that in a cage of words many indeed unfold its wings but cannot fly”. Likening thought to a “bird of space” makes me think that thoughts are limitless and expansive — like birds flying through the vastness of the sky. However, “cage of words” represents how language has limitations and can inadequately capture the nuance of inner thoughts.
Gibran beautifully articulates the paradox of communication — words are necessary for sharing ideas, but they limit the essence of our true thoughts. Many thoughts and feelings are hard to express using words even by the best orators. For example, existential thoughts, deep emotions (like love or grief), abstract thoughts, intuition or mental health experiences.
For those that haven’t read the full poem on talking, then enjoy:
You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts;
The Prophet, by Khalil Gibran
And when you can no longer dwell in the solitude of your heart you live in your lips, and sound is a diversion and a pastime.
And in much of your talking, thinking is half murdered.
For thought is a bird of space, that in a cage of words many indeed unfold its wings but cannot fly.
There are those among you who seek the talkative through fear of being alone.
The silence of aloneness reveals to their eyes their naked selves and they would escape.
And there are those who talk, and without knowledge or forethought reveal a truth which they themselves do not understand.
And there are those who have the truth within them, but they tell it not in words.
In the bosom of such as these the spirit dwells in rhythmic silence.
When you meet your friend on the roadside or in the market place, let the spirit in you move your lips and direct your tongue.
Let the voice within your voice speak to the ear of his ear;
For his soul will keep the truth of your heart as the taste of the wine is remembered
When the color is forgotten and the vessel is no more.