In the book "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer, the author reflects on how people often resort to non-verbal communication, such as hand signals, to convey messages that could easily be expressed with a whisper. This highlights the importance of discretion and the need for secrets in certain situations.
The quote emphasizes a collective agreement to remain silent until they are in a safe space, suggesting that there are moments when speaking openly is risky or inappropriate. Foer's writing invites readers to consider the implications of communication and the reasons behind choosing silence at critical times.