Slow Havamal: 29

In the 29th verse, we are cautioned that for all our talking, we will say nothing if we refuse to close our mouth. That a fast-moving, undisciplined tongue often makes trouble for its owner.

While the wise know the answer and how to explain it, a fool runs his trap without ceasing. He confuses wisdom for communication. Any number of things can be said about a given topic. It can be expounded at length, summed up, or given in pertinent detail. Regardless of length, an explanation can be phrased any number of ways. Whether its wise or foolish, this is communication. Symbols and sounds exchanged between individuals, to stand for some deeper relationships that we hope the person can integrate into their experience in a manner similar to our own. For example, a New England fool can rattle off facts about the state of Indiana, while a lifelong resident can give rich detail. Both are attempting to frame an abstraction for a third party—the state of Indiana—so that the party sees it closely to the way they see it. None of what’s conveyed is understanding. It’s information. Understanding, or meaning, arises only out of one’s personal experience. It isn’t transferred. It emerges.( Read more... )