“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.”
- July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961
- American
- Novelist, poet, journalist
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Old Man and the Sea,” “A Farewell to Arms,” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954
Quote
“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway highlights the power of listening as a tool for gaining knowledge and insight. He emphasizes the importance of “listening carefully”—a skill that allows one to absorb more than just words, but also the nuances of meaning, emotion, and context. In a world where many are eager to speak and be heard, listening becomes an undervalued art. Hemingway suggests that most people fail to truly listen, either because they are too focused on their own thoughts or because they do not appreciate the depth of understanding that can come from active engagement with others. Through this careful listening, Hemingway himself has been able to learn and grow, gaining wisdom from the world around him.
Hemingway’s own life experiences—particularly as a journalist and war correspondent—provided him with countless opportunities to observe and listen to people from all walks of life. His writing often reflects a deep sensitivity to the subtle dynamics of human interaction. In works like For Whom the Bell Tolls and A Farewell to Arms, Hemingway shows how his characters’ lives are shaped by their ability (or inability) to truly listen to those around them. For Hemingway, listening wasn’t merely about hearing words, but about understanding the unspoken truths of the human condition.
In today’s fast-paced, digital world, the act of listening has become increasingly rare. With the rise of social media and constant noise, people often talk over each other or fail to engage deeply with others’ perspectives. However, in fields such as leadership, therapy, and even conflict resolution, the ability to listen attentively remains a critical skill. Leaders who listen carefully to their teams often create more effective, empathetic environments, and therapists who listen deeply can offer profound support. Hemingway’s quote reminds us that true listening can be an invaluable source of learning and connection, something that is often overlooked in today’s busy world.
