Knowledge, he realized, "was obtained rather by the use of the ear than of the tongue." So in the Junto, he began to work on his use of silence and gentle dialogue. One method, which he had developed during his mock debates with John Collins in Boston and then when discoursing with Keimer, was to pursue topics through soft, Socratic queries.
In Walter Isaacson's biography of Benjamin Franklin, it is highlighted that Franklin came to understand the value of listening over speaking in the pursuit of knowledge. He recognized that true wisdom is often gained through careful listening rather than extensive talking. This realization drove him to refine his approach to conversation, particularly within the discussions of the Junto, an intellectual club he was part of.
Franklin adopted a method of engaging in gentle dialogue and silence, which he had practiced during rigorous practice debates and conversations with colleagues. By employing a Socratic style of questioning, he learned to delve deeper into topics without dominating the discussion. This approach not only enhanced his understanding but also facilitated richer exchanges of ideas among his peers.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
