"اعرف من الأنهار في الشقوق والشروخ: تلك في المجاري الصغيرة تجري بصخب، الكبيرة تجري بصمت. ما ليس ممتلئًا يصدر ضجيجًا. ما هو ممتلئ هادئ."

This quote is essentially telling us that true strength and wisdom often come quietly. You’ve probably noticed this in your own life. The loudest person in the room isn’t always the smartest or the most knowledgeable. In fact, people who are truly confident and secure in their abilities don’t need to broadcast them. They don’t feel the need to make noise because their skills, knowledge, and presence speak for themselves.

Historically, this idea isn’t new. It’s been echoed in various cultures and philosophies. Think about the ancient proverb, “Empty vessels make the most noise.” It’s a similar concept. This quote likely stems from observations of nature and human behavior over time. In ancient times, rivers were a vital part of life, so people paid close attention to how they behaved. They noticed that smaller streams and channels—those with less water—tended to be noisier, while larger, fuller rivers flowed silently. This natural phenomenon was then applied to human behavior, suggesting that those who lack substance make the most noise.

Now, let’s look at a real-life example. Consider a workplace scenario: you’ve got two colleagues. One is always talking about their accomplishments, constantly reminding everyone of their skills and achievements. They’re loud, always in your face. The other colleague is quieter. They don’t brag, but when they speak, it’s clear they know their stuff. They get their work done efficiently and effectively without much fuss. When a big project comes up, who do you think the boss will rely on? The quiet, competent one, right? Because their actions and results speak louder than any words ever could.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First, focus on building your skills and knowledge. Be confident in what you bring to the table. You don’t need to shout about your abilities—just let your work do the talking. Practice active listening. You’ll learn more, and when you do speak, people will listen because they know you’ve got something valuable to say. And don’t feel pressured to fill every silence. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is to remain quiet.

Imagine you’re at a meeting, and everyone’s discussing a new project. People are throwing ideas around, and it’s getting pretty loud. You’ve got a solid idea, but instead of jumping in immediately, you take a moment to think it through. When you finally speak up, it’s clear, concise, and well thought out. The room quiets down because they respect your input. You didn’t need to be the loudest voice to make the biggest impact.

In essence, this quote is a gentle reminder that sometimes, less is more. It’s about finding that inner confidence and letting your actions—and well-chosen words—speak for themselves. So next time you’re tempted to make some noise just to feel heard, take a step back. Think about the great, silent rivers and remember that true depth and substance don’t need to shout. They simply are.