Quote by Benjamin Franklin
The great secret of succeeding in conversation is to admire little, to hear much; always to distrust our own reason, and sometimes that of our friends; never to pretend to wit, but to make that of others appear as much as possibly we can; to hearken to what is said and to answer to the purpose.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the key elements of successful conversation. It advises against excessive self-centeredness, urging one to admire others rather than seeking constant validation. It stresses the importance of active listening, questioning our own judgments, and even being skeptical of our friends' opinions. It suggests avoiding the temptation to always impress with wit, instead encouraging the amplification of others' intellect. Above all, it emphasizes attentiveness, responding with relevance and authenticity to enrich the dialogue.
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