Insight: On strategic silence

Silence is sometimes the answer ~ Estonian Proverb

Silence is as powerful as being outspoken, that if you appropriately apply, may serve to your advantage. It is a tough practice, however, especially knowing when to speak up and when to remain silent amidst the dramas that are impractical and not worth your time. But in this world where power and respect are seeming imposed, sometimes silence can do more good for your mental peace and clarity. I could not agree more.

But this depends on context and purpose. And sure remaining silent is challenging, especially if most expect you to speak up. All the more for communication majors and practitioners because it becomes a choice between becoming a voice for everyone or owning up your voice, loud or not.

But, as always, it helps to remember your purpose and know your limits as an individual. And with this, you can strike a balance in between. As much as you would like to help address the global social issues, you cannot do it alone, not in one shot. Remember that you are human too, and you need inner peace more than ever, especially as you age, I believe.

So choose silence whenever you need to.

Is it not more confusing when you have finally learned how to elaborate on issues, then you suddenly crumble as you would like? Not exactly. To me, this is a conscious, well-thought decision to protect yourself from draining your energy. Is it not that selfish? Choosing yourself, in this context, is never wrong. You might have been conditioned on this, yet, again, this is a good deal for yourself and others.

It all boils down to knowing the right time to speak up, especially on matters that require your utmost attention. For one is during a health crisis or a calamity when your voice, even on the smallest of platforms, has the potential to go rounds on the internet and inform more people.

A relevant case that I can think of is the recent strike on social media calling the attention of the nation to help aid in the rescue operations of people in the Cagayan Valley left on their roofs by the massive flooding of typhoon Ulysses. Such collective voices called to action not only the responsible public officials but also the Filipinos as a whole.

No doubt it was a strong move. But also, the hate it propelled online was magnitude, calling on specifically the public officials responsible in the affected areas. I have nothing against demanding accountability because, in a country highly vulnerable to natural calamities, we deserve proactive, carefully laid-out disaster plans. But attacking someone beyond the scope of one's work is in itself futile. With this, I remember a quote from Yuval Noah Harari’s book titled 21 Lessons for the 21st Century: Though the challenges are unprecedented, and though the disagreements are intense, humankind can rise to the occasion if we keep our fears under control and a bit more humble about our views.

More often than not, choosing silence is strategic. You can only pick your battles and then win some. So, you might as well invest in ones that are practical and worthwhile.