Category: Miscellaneous

28 May 2024 17:18

Joined:	02/06/2009
Level:	Diamond
Points:	145594

Points:	5

Why it is said that silence is half consent?

Many discussions will be taking place in our houses among the family members and we participate in many discussions in our office also. All participants may not spell out their opinions. Some participants will hear and pass on their views in favour of the ideas expressed by others or negate the ideas. However, some people may not participate in discussions and keep silent.

A prominent Greek philosopher, Plato said that remaining silent in a situation where we have to speak out will be considered acceptance. There is a proverb in Telugu which means silence is half acceptance. But that silence may be due to their hesitation to speak against the people sitting there. How can it be taken as a consent? I solicit the views of members on this issue.

#779654

28 May 2024 21:31

Joined:	20/01/2017
Level:	Diamond
Points:	25422

Points:	5

When discussions are going on then people give their views on the topic. During the communication between the members new points are made by the members and then a mutually agreed solution of the problem is found and that is a binding on everyone. During these proceedings some people might not talk except making some gestures now and then. If they do not make any statement or comment on the proceedings then it is taken that they are in favour of the proposal and would help in execution of the program.
If they were not in agreement of the proposal then they should have made their stand very clear during deliberations itself. There is no excuse for not raising the voice because a person is shy. If required, the shy person can abstain from the meeting but cannot make excuse of shyness or any such personal trait.

Thoughts exchanged is knowledge gained.

#779658

28 May 2024 23:07

Joined:	19/06/2011
Level:	Gold
Points:	87960

Points:	5

There is a proverb in Malayalam'Maunam sammatham"-that is silence is acceptance.
It i our failure to say "No" that leads us to many unwanted situations. When we are given a choice to express our assent or dissent we should exercise our choice diligently and rightly. If we express our displeasure or disagreement then and there, the matter would be reviewed and amended if possible or even withdrawn. Our proper stand and opinion can also encourage others too to come up with their views too.

In elections many people do not cast vote. Then we lose our right to say that those elected are bad. We should have exercised our choice by voting for the right candidate.

Many people keep silent when they are supposed to say their concurrence or dissent. and then they have to bear the consequences also silently.
When we are given a choice of accepting or rejecting; consenting or dissenting; and if we keep silent, then that silence will be taken as acceptance and assent. We will also be responsible for the outcome of such decision made therein.

That is why there are books and tutorials on 'How to say No , when you don't want to say Yes'. or "Learn to say No without feeling guilty".
Silence is NOT always golden.

#779660

29 May 2024 06:24

Joined:	10/12/2016
Level:	Diamond
Points:	109183

Points:	5

A person can be talkative or reserved but when he is in a group and something is being discussed then it is imperative that he should also give his opinion or thoughts about the topic or the issue being discussed. If he keeps silent then the question arises why he is joining that assembly and why simply observing the proceedings? If he is a part of that decision making group then he cannot say that he is a mere spectator and his silence will be taken as a stamp on the result of the proceedings.
That is why silence is considered as acceptance. But there are situations where he is not a part of decision making team and casually interacting with someone on some subject just like that and if during the discussion something is told by the other person which he does not like then instead of retaliating he can keep silent. This is the context in which it is said that - speech is silver, silence is gold.
Speaking is a great art and is a great tool in our hands and we can use it effectively in our communication. At times keeping silence is also an equally powerful tool which we can use strategically in our lives while interacting with others.

Knowledge is power.

#779666

29 May 2024 12:03

Joined:	02/01/2012
Level:	Gold
Points:	51633

Points:	5

I don't think the saying/ proverb/ quote is applicable to discussions. In a discussion, one will have the option of not putting forth his opinion because there will be others who speak, and his silence cannot be concluded as acceptance of a particular view. It will come into play, as said in some responses, only when an individual is expected to give a reply or a to take a decision or to react and especially when the expected reply/ decision/ reaction will be in the negative.

The underlying principle in Plato's quote is that a man is expected to express his views and opinion openly irrespective of the consequences and in that context, if one remains silent, it can be taken as his consent or agreement to what the other person is proposing or suggesting. Silence is generally considered to be a sign of acceptance but it may indicate opposition also in some situations. I think, it is to avoid that confusion about acceptance or rejection that the principle of silence being acceptance has been generally accepted. The apprehension that one's silence will be construed as acceptance will force a person to speak out his mind if he has any objection.

The legal side has a different take in that, silence will be accepted as acceptance only if there was a previous discussion or agreement or a gesture, of any nature, indicating an intention to accept the other side.

'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
-Aristotle

#779671

29 May 2024 13:54

Joined:	02/06/2009
Level:	Diamond
Points:	145594

Points:	2

Thank you, Saji, for your detailed explanation. I also felt that this proverb does not apply to discussions. If a person is silent in a discussion it can't be taken as half or full consent. There may be many reasons for his/ her silence.

drrao
always confident

Why it is said that silence is half consent?

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