It is truly fascinating when we reflect on the depth of wisdom that is embedded in the numerous proverbs and sayings that come to us from all cultures and traditions. These proverbs grew out of the experience of our ancestors and especially on their continuous reflection on that experience. It is sad that the present so called digitised generations, not only do not value these treasures, but go so far as to see them as de passee and out of date.
In this column I often desire to draw the attention of readers to admire, appreciate and benefit from the treasures buried in the proverbs of our ancestors. Today we have the English proverb: Deep rivers move in silence, shallow brooks are noisy.
This is a proverb that draws our attention to the entity we call silence, that priceless phenomenon that seems to be drowned by the noise that is endless in our times. There is so much noise around us to the extent that we now have the phrase: Noise pollution. Everywhere you turn there is noise that seems to subside only long into the night. Noise has become our neighbour, our companion and as this happens, out goes the power to reflect, to meditate, to enjoy the simple things around us.
A wise African elder once said: Our world is full of noise and our consciousness is so bankrupt of the value of silence, so much that we need to learn how to be silent just as babies learn how to crawl and walk.
In our continent it is estimated that there are over two million proverbs, out of which almost one third talk about the power of silence in human formation and transformation. In the language of my parents there are over twenty proverbs that show the priceless formative power of silence. If there is one thing that my grandparents could not stand, it is noise that has taken centre stage in our lives.
The main point here today is to remind us that silence is golden, as another English proverb goes. Silence is the womb in which wisdom is born and raised. In silence we can listen to one another more humanly and in silence we rest our hearts and minds. Let us find moments of silence in our busy lives because that is the path that leads to wisdom and indeed, to live a life that is more meaningful, more human and more divine.
