"On Talking" Summary

A scholar asks about talking, and Almustafa says that one speaks when one ceases to be at peace with one's thoughts, when one can no longer dwell in the solitude of one's heart. One finds diversion in sound. Much of one's talking leaves thinking half-murdered, because thought is a bird of space and words are cages. Many seek out the talkative because they fear being alone and seeing their own nakedness. Some reveal truths that they do not understand when they speak, while others have truth within them but do not express it in words. Rhythmic silence lives in them. When one meets a friend, one should let the spirit direct their lips and tongue to speak the truth of the heart as the taste and color of wine are remembered after the vessel is gone.

"On Talking" Analysis