Solemn Dissertation on the Philosophy of Silence

DE PHILOSOPHIA SILENTII.

§. XIIX.

Since the distinction of silence is repeated from its use and abuse in philosophy, see §. III, I now weigh the fact that Ethics, about to be adorned with the name of virtue, calls not only for taciturnity, but also subjects it to modesty, prudence, and faith. To modesty, indeed, where age, sex, and other circumstances command silence. Thus it especially becomes those younger in age to refrain from speaking in the presence of the elderly and men who are more prudent and honorable, until they are invited to a conversation by one of them. Lest they ever be ordered to listen to Zeno, the most excellent master of silence, rebuking a young man who was a little too talkative in the company of the elderly: "Your ears have flowed into your tongue." How much dignity holding one's silence adds to women can be known from the opus of Plutarch, On the Virtues of Women, Stefano Guazzo, Dissertation V on Civil Conversation, and the work of the honorable President On the Equestrian Order of Women. Phidias, that sagacious sculptor, wishing to teach this virtue to women, expressed an image of Venus who was trampling a tortoise: secretly demonstrating that it is a feminine ornament to guard the house and keep silence. Likewise Plutarch, to whom I owe this example in his Precepts on Marriage, instructs the woman: "She must either speak to her husband or through her husband." I willingly pass over other circumstances which either duty, or ministry, or some other business exhibits, since they can be judged when an occasion arises in conflict. Furthermore, that taciturnity is a companion to prudence is demanded by the philosophy of silence, and this is manifest in those cases where it is not equally expedient for others to know the feelings of our mind. Hence it is incumbent upon everyone to protect the innocent by their silence, and by its aid to avert dangers that threaten them. This cause also approaches, if those desiring our answer lack the right to interrogate. And thus, in that manner, the golden sentence of Solomon, Proverbs 21:23, can be applied to the silent: "He who guards his tongue guards his own soul."