“Those who don’t know how to listen don’t listen to the advice that life gives us.” (Paulo Coelho)

“Those who don’t know how to listen don’t listen to the advice that life gives us.” (Paulo Coelho) It's not easy to listen to others because what really interests us is our lives. Talk about our lives and experiences. You also need to let others speak because when you don't know how to listen to others, you can't expect them to listen to you! “You have to know how to listen and know how to be silent. By just talking and thinking little, people make mistakes that are difficult to repair later. And because they hear so much less than they think, they make even worse mistakes...!” (Augusto Branco) This diversity of opinions is explained in the book Contemptus Mundi, by the 15th century monk Thomas Kempis, who in Chapter IV of the Second Book, says: "Man judges external things according to his internal disposition." Although we know the theory, where everyone must respect each other, our minds often go against it, deviating along the way. Therefore, we must live in constant policing of our personal impulses and desires, so that we have the capacity to respect and be respected. “There is power in making yourself known and heard, in having your own story, in using your authentic voice. And there is beauty in being willing to know and listen to others.” (Michelle Obama) In life, you have to learn to differentiate between gratuitous and malicious criticism and valid and constructive criticism. Free criticism generally comes from negative and envious people and is of no interest to our lives, projects and dreams. “Listen, silence, think, speak, silence and think again would avoid many things said in vain.” (Augusto Branco) Valid and constructive criticism comes from people who love us well and who want to help us grow in all areas of our lives. They help us to improve our lives, with actions and attitudes. They try to find solutions to our problems and how to achieve our goals and dreams. “For the art of living, you need to know the art of listening, smiling and being patient... always.” (Hermann Hess)