“He who knows does not speak. He who speaks does not know.”Lao Zi · Cartea despre Dao și Virtute · -400 · capitolul 56
True knowledge is silent, while abundant chatter signals ignorance.
Lao Zi observes that deep wisdom needs no words to assert itself. Those who talk a lot usually compensate for a lack of knowledge. An expert in their field answers briefly and precisely, while an amateur gets lost in lengthy explanations. For instance, a skilled craftsman works without boasting, whereas a beginner talks for hours about what they could do.
Why it matters In the age of social media and public debates, this principle reminds us to listen more and speak less, seeking substance over appearance.