Nowadays silence is looked on as odd and most of my race has forgotten the beauty of meaning much by saying little. Now tongues work all day by themselves with no help from the mind.
This quote from Toni Morrison's book "Love" sheds light on how contemporary society often views silence as unusual and uncomfortable. In a world that values constant communication, many people overlook the profound beauty and significance that can come from speaking less and listening more. The act of being silent allows for deeper understanding and reflection, which is increasingly rare in today's fast-paced environment.
Morrison also critiques the tendency for people to engage in idle chatter, where conversation occurs without thoughtful input from the mind. This suggests that dialogue should not just be a mechanical process but a meaningful exchange that conveys true thoughts and feelings. By encouraging deeper communication, Morrison invites us to rediscover the richness of profound, yet sparing, dialogue.