“When people talk, listen completely. 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
“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway emphasizes the importance of active listening—truly absorbing what others are saying, not just waiting for your turn to speak. By advising that one should “listen completely,” he suggests that deep engagement is necessary to understand the full scope of what is being communicated. This involves more than just hearing words; it’s about paying attention to the emotions, intentions, and subtle nuances behind the speech. Hemingway contrasts this ideal with the reality that most people never listen, implying that many simply hear the surface-level words without making an effort to fully comprehend the deeper meaning or context. This failure to listen reflects a broader disconnect in human interactions, where conversations often lack genuine connection or understanding.
Hemingway himself was known for his sharp observations and deep understanding of human nature, and this quote aligns with the introspective and often complex characters in his works. Whether in his novels like The Sun Also Rises or A Farewell to Arms, Hemingway’s characters often engage in moments of emotional distance or miscommunication—struggling to truly understand each other despite being physically close. For Hemingway, the art of listening goes beyond just hearing words—it’s about recognizing the unspoken, the things that cannot always be articulated. His writing reflects this sensitivity to the underlying currents of human interaction.
In modern society, this quote is especially relevant in an age where distractions—from technology to social media—often prevent us from truly listening to one another. Whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or even in public discourse, people are often more focused on speaking or promoting their own views than on listening and understanding others. This can lead to misunderstandings or a lack of empathy, which only deepens societal divides. Hemingway’s quote encourages us to shift our focus, to make an effort to listen fully, and to create more genuine connections by engaging deeply with the words and emotions of those around us.
