unit 7 : text a how well can we listen? unit 2: text a pre-reading activities pre-reading...

Unit 7 : Text AUnit 7 : Text A

How Well Can We Listen?

Unit 2: Text AUnit 2: Text A

• Pre-Reading Activities

• Intensive Study

• After-readingAfter-reading

Unit 2: Text AUnit 2: Text A

• Ralated information

• Group discussion

• Warm-up questions

Pre-reading ActivitiesPre-reading Activities

The term “generation gap” first came into prominence in Western countries during the 1960’s. It was used to describe the cultural differences between the baby boomers (those who were born just after World War II) and their parents. Several examples of generational differences were prominent during the period. Rock music and soul music ( 灵乐 ), popular among the young, were mostly detested by their elders. Long hair on young males was frequently seen as a shocking act of rebellion against societal norms by their parents. Some traditional mores ( 习俗 ) were crumbling. And many young people “dropped out” into the hippie ( 嬉皮士 ) counterculture. A common catchphrase of the era among young people was “don’t trust anyone over 30.”.

The influence of the baby boomers was so significant that the entire generation was named “Man of the Year” by Time magazine in 1966. Since then, the term “generation gap” has been used to describe differences in cultural norms between a younger generation and their elders. It occurs when older and younger people do not understand each other because of their different experiences, opinions, habits and behavior.

What are the key factors that contribute to effective face-to-face communication?

Pre-reading Activities: group discussionPre-reading Activities: group discussion

Pre-reading Activities: warm-up questionsPre-reading Activities: warm-up questions

• What kind of persons would you like to make friends with?

• Suppose you have two classmates. One of them is very talkative but seldom listens, while the other seems a good listener who speaks little. Which one do you like better?

• Do you consider yourself a good listener? Do you hope others to listen to you attentively when you are speaking or explaining something?

Intensive StudyIntensive Study

• Structure of the Text

• Intensive Study

• Difficult sentencesDifficult sentences

• Key words, phrases & usagesKey words, phrases & usages

• Comprehension exercisesComprehension exercises

•

Main IdeasThe rise of the issue: people’s complaints about others’ not listening; the possible consequences of the problem.

The analysis of the reasons for the failure

In communication: misunderstanding resulting from poor listening.How we can be good listeners

Conclusion: restatement of the importance of listening.

Parts Paragraphs

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3

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2~4

5~7

4 8


How Well Can We Listen? Kathleen T. McWhorter Most of us would agree that keeping good

relationships with other people, even with those closest to us, can be difficult and requires good communication between one another. Good communication naturally involves both speaking and listening. But while we commonly emphasize the role of speaking in communicating with others, we tend to neglect that of listening. Read the following text and see what it says about the role of listening in improving human relationships.

It is not uncommon to hear people complaining that no one listens to them and no one understands them. Such complaints come not only from kids but also from adults. How often is this a vital cause in the failure of personal relationships? How often does it contribute to broken homes? How often do we hear of a married couple who fail to have communication, or of children who feel deserted? It seems something must have gone wrong.

How Well Can We Listen? Kathleen T. McWhorter

Experts tend to resort to the term “ generation gap” to explain the conflicts between parents and children. Can this term be applied to the cases mentioned above? Though there might be room for hesitation in the adoption of it when “generation” is taken into account, it is far from wrong to borrow therest in making an analysis. There are bound to be differences, or gaps, in the opinions of two people that give rise to conflicts, and ways to reduce them are by no means easy to be sought, but it is equally true to say that there is bound to be a solution to every problem. Part of the solution to human conflicts is to avoid misunderstanding.

Misunderstanding often arises from a lack of communication.

Curiously enough, in a modern society where not a few advanced technological means of communication such as the mobile phone and pager have been developed, people are still confronted with this problem. Investigations show that technological inventions do help facilitate human communication. They also show that while there are more opportunities for personal contact, especially through verbal communication, many people still find their listeners do not listen to them. Clearly, something is wrong with their listening ability.


People may wonder why their listening ability is undesirable when their hearing ability is physically sound. This is a basic mistake we often make. Very often hearing is confused with listening, as they are so closely related.

Believing that hearing is a physiological function, which comes to us naturally, we take it for granted that listening does not require much effort. Experts in the field of communications are quick to attack this belief. In their view, listening requires hard work and energy. When people are listening, they have quicker heartbeats and faster blood circulation. Good listening, they think, is not as simple as it might seem.


To become a good listener begins with concentration. That looks easy on the surface. In too many cases, we have to listen to other people with physical and mental distractions around us. The ring of the telephone, the slam of a door or other human voices are some of the common physical distractions. The mental distractions in one’s own mind, on the other hand, are much more difficult to overcome, for many reasons.

A speaker may not be able to keep pace with the working of the listener’s mind. The average person’s rate of thinking is faster than the average rate of speech. With much free time left at their disposal, the listeners are likely to be carried away by their own thoughts and they soon lose their way. That is where the problem lies: listening too quickly


Sometimes, the listener tends to skip part of what is being said unconsciously. Since each person has his own range of interests, when the speaker talks about something that is of no personal interest or concern to him, he would “switch off the talking.” Though he might nod his head or respond with gestures, his mind is wandering. This automatic control exercises its influence especially when the topic is too boring.

Other psychological factors also come into play. A person’s feeling towards the speaker can affect his listening ability. If he has a poor impression of the speaker, because of his appearance or whatever, it is quite natural that he would not tune in to the words of the speaker


Verbal communication is a good means for people to understand each other. What has to be borne in mind is that,to ensure that good communication takes place, talking and hearing are just not enough. When we hear people complain that no one listens to them or no one understands them, we should be able to provide an acceptable explanation.

Though there might be room for hesitation in the adoption of it when “generation” is taken into account, it is far from wrong to borrow the rest in making an analysis.

1. The pronoun “it” appears twice in the sentence. Do they refer to the same thing?

No. The first “it” refers to the term “generation gap”, while the second “it” refers to “to borrow the rest in making an analysis”.

2. What does “room for hesitation” mean?

Uncertainty.

3. What does “far from wrong” mean?

Not wrong at all.

4. Paraphrase the sentence.

当然，如果细究“代”的本义，那么这算不上特别贴切，但是大可借用该术语的其他涵义来分析问题。

5. Translate the sentence into Chinese.

When we use the term “generation gap” to explain communication problems mentioned above, the word “generation” may not be readily applicable as there may not be a generation gap between the people involved. But we can still analyze such problems from this perspective.

Curiously enough, in a modern society where not a few advanced technological means of communication such as the mobile phone and pager have been developed, people are still confronted with this problem.

1. What does “this problem” refer to?

2. What does this sentence imply?

Lack of communication.

This sentence implies that advanced technological means of communication are not an adequate solution to the problem of lack of communication among people. It seems that the technologies invented to facilitate communication do not work and the problem is still there.

People may wonder why their listening ability is undesirable when their hearing ability is physically sound.


This sentence implies that listening ability is quite different from hearing ability. Therefore, the fact that there is no problem with one’s ears does not mean one is good at listening.


人们也许会问，为什么听觉没有问题而他们的聆听能力却不如人意呢？

Believing that hearing is a physiological function, which comes to us naturally, we take it for granted that listening does not require much effort.


Hearing is quite different from listening. Contrary to the common belief, listening does require some effort.


我们会认为听觉能力是一种生理功能，是与生俱来的，所以我们想当然地以为聆听不需要付出特别的努力。

A speaker may not be able to keep pace with the working of the listener’s mind.

1. What does “the working of the listener’s mind” mean?

The listener’s thinking.


This sentence implies that the listener may need to be more patient and attentive in order to accomplish successful communication, because one’s speed of thinking is faster than that of speaking.

With much free time left at their disposal, the listeners are likely to be carried away by their own thoughts and they soon lose their way.

1. What does “be carried away” mean?

Be so excited, interested, or absorbed that you are no longer really in control of what you do, or you forget everything else.


当听话人有很多自由时间支配的时候，他们就可能会太专注于自己的思绪而很快就不知道说话人说到什么地方了。

Since each person has his own range of interests, when the speaker talks about something that is of no personal interest or concern to him, he would “switch off the talking.”

What does “switch off the talking” mean?

No longer listen to what is being said to him, as if he had turned it off.

This automatic control exercises its influence especially when the topic is too boring.

1. What does “this automatic control” refer to?

Switching off the talking.2. What does “exercise” mean in this sentence?

Bring to bear; exert.


这种自动控制系统的作用在谈话内容太枯燥的时候尤其明显。

Other psychological factors also come into play.

What does “come into play” mean?

Begin to operate or be active.

… it is quite natural that he would not tune in to the words of the speaker.

1. What does “tune in to” mean?

Listen carefully and be aware of.


那他自然就不会去认真聆听说话人说的内容。

What has to be borne in mind is that, to ensure that good communication takes place, talking and hearing are just not enough.

1. What does “be borne in mind” mean?

Be kept in mind; be remembered.2. Paraphrase the sentence.

We should remember clearly that to accomplish successful communication, just talking and hearing are inadequate; more is needed.

complain:

Workers who had lost their jobs complained bitterly about the way they had been treated.

Many patients complain of headaches and difficulty in sleeping when they take this drug.

1. vi. express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment

2. vt. express dissatisfaction or resentment

They complained that the price of books had increased.

员工们抱怨工资过低而且福利差。The employees complained that the wages were too low and the benefits were inadequate.

NB: complain → complaint n.

vital: adj. extremely important and necessary for something to succeed or exist

Regular exercise is vital for your health.

The samples could give scientists vital information about long-term changes in the earth’s atmosphere.

旅游业对于国民经济来说是至关重要的。

The tourist industry is of vital importance to the national economy.

NB: vitality n. 生命力，活力

Irrigation was vital to early civilization.

Impartiality is essential to a judge.

It is vital that leaking gas pipes are fixed immediately.

It is essential to read any document carefully before you sign it.

强调指维持生命、活力必不可少的，或生死攸关的。例如：

强调必不可少，暗含某物如缺少某部分则失去本质特征的意味。例如：

这两个形容词均有“重要的，必需的”之意。CF: vital & essential

vital

essential

contribute:

An increase in the price of drugs has contributed to the rising cost of medical care.

1. vi. (usually followed by to) help in causing a situation, event, or condition

锻炼能促进健康。Exercise contributes to better health.

2. vt. give money, help, ideas, etc. to something

The volunteers contribute their own time to the project.

Readers are invited to contribute their opinions on any of the issues discussed here.

desert: vt. leave at a difficult time or in a cruel way, esp. with the intention of not returning

The price rise caused many readers to desert the magazine.

Mrs. Smith was deserted by her husband and had to support four children on her own.

Many people deserted their homes during the food shortage.

许多人在饥荒中逃往他乡。

resort:

Many homeless teenagers resort to stealing when their money runs out.

1. vi. (usually followed by to) make use of; turn to (often something bad) for help

The candidates are resorting to personal attacks to get attention.2. n. a place frequented by people for relaxation or recreation

We were joined there by George and Mary and we all went off to the skiing resort.

到休养圣地去疗养一个月肯定会使你恢复健康。

A month of rest in the health resort will certainly bring you around.

a place of great resorta health resorta pleasure resorta summer resort a tourist resort

Collocation: 人们常去的热闹地方疗养地游乐胜地避暑地旅游胜地

He described the situation as not critical and said military force would be used only as a last resort.

3. n. the act of turning to something for aid or relief; recourse

反复实践是取得真知的方法。

Repeated practice is the resort of gaining genuine knowledge.

apply:

We need to apply for planning permission to build a garage.

我向美国四所大学申请攻读硕士学位，都被同意录取。

1. vt. (usually followed by for) request or seek assistance, employment, or admission

2. vi. (usually followed by to) be pertinent or relevant

I applied to four American universities for postgraduate study as a Master candidate, and was accepted by all of them.

The 20% discount only applies to club members.

She applied for a job with the local newspaper.

勤俭节约的原则适用于一切事业。The principle of diligence and thrift applies to all undertakings.

3. vt. put to or adapt for a special use

New technology is being applied to almost every industrial process.

We should learn to apply book knowledge to social practice.

NB:

申请；应用申请；应用

适用的；可申请的应用的

apply v. application n.applicable adj. applied adj.

adopt: vt.

Their purpose is to influence government to adopt policies favorable to them.这位历史老师决定采用讲故事的方法教学。

1. take and use as one’s own; begin to have (a quality or appearance)

2. take into one’s family through legal means and raise as one’s own child

The history teacher decided to adopt the approach of story-telling in his teaching.

Teenagers who discover they were adopted often search for their biological parents when they are old enough.

adoption: n.

NB: adopt, adapt 和 adept 这三个词形似，易混淆。 adopt 为动词，意为“采用、采纳、领养”； adapt 为动词，意为“调节、使适应”，常用于词组 adapt … to； adept 为形容词，意思是“熟练的，灵巧的”。常用于词组 be adept at/in 。

take into account:(also take account of/take into consideration) consider or include particular facts or details when making a decision or judgment about something

I trust that he will take account of the road safety problems that are inherent in his policy.

These figures do not take into account the changes in the rate of inflation.

analysis: n. (pl. analyses) examination of something together with thoughts and judgments about it

The analysis of the samples on the murder spot showed some valuable clues to the police.

The article provides a detailed analysis of various research designs.

You’ll get the results when the analysis is complete.

对谋杀现场标本的分析为警察提供了一些有价值的线索。

NB: analyze vt. analysis n. analytic adj. analyst n.

分析分析分析的分析家

bound:

1. adj. very likely; certain

Don’t lie to her. She’s bound to find out about it.

2. adj. travelling towards a particular place or in a particular direction

When you are dealing with so many patients, mistakes are bound to happen.

After his breakfast, Mr. Smith boarded the coach which was bound for London.

This train is bound for Shanghai.

这列火车是开往上海的。

The new discovery is bound to be of great service to mankind.这项新发现对于人类必定大有用处。

The marriage on the basis of money is bound to break up.

建立在金钱基础上的婚姻肯定要破裂的。

3. vi. run with a lot of energy, because of happiness, excitement, or fright

I was strolling along the street, when suddenly a huge dog came bounding towards me.

His heart bounded with excitement when he heard the news.

听到这个消息，他激动得心头砰砰直跳。

be bound for (a place)be bound to do sth. bound volumes

Collocation:

前往某地必定 , 一定装帧好的书卷

arise: vi. (arose, arisen) [usually followed by from, out of] come into being or begin to be noticed; happen; appear

疏忽大意往往会引起事故的发生。

Accidents often arise from carelessness.

It would be best to deal with these issues at once, before a crisis arises.

这场争吵是怎么引起的 ?

How did this quarrel arise?

When a conflict arises in the workplace, you should aim to repair the relationship as quickly as possible.

A new difficulty has arisen.

We aroused him from his deep sleep.

The odd sight aroused our curiosity.

是不及物动词，意思主要指“出现，发生”（后接 from 形成词组，意为“起因于”）。例如：

是及物动词，意思主要指“唤醒，唤起，引起” 。

这两个动词均含“引起”之意。CF: arise & arouse

arouse

arise

我们把他从沉睡中唤醒。

奇怪的景象激起我们的好奇。

出现了新的困难。

confront: vt. come face to face with, especially with defiance or hostility

Only when the police confronted her with evidence did she admit that she had stolen the money.

Overall, there are several major issues confronting us on the media front right now.

• 这两个动词均含“面对”之

Let’s face the facts instead of evading them.

多用于口语，含义广，强调有勇气、决心或自信心去面对。例如：

让我们面对现实，不要逃避。

她面临要破产的重大问题。

CF: confront & face

face

confront

多用于书面语，多指勇敢、冷静地面临某种问题、困难或任务等。例如：

She confronted the vital question of being bankrupt

investigation: n.the act of investigating something; an official attempt to find out the truth about or the causes of something

Prison officials are carrying out a full investigation after two prisoners escaped from a prison vehicle.

心理学家们正在进行一项关于暴力电视节目对孩子的影响的调查。

The psychologists are conducting an investigation about the impact of violent TV programs on children.

facilitate: vt. make easy or easier; help

新建的地铁将便于人们去城市各处。The new underground railway will facilitate the journey to all parts of the city.

Dividing students into small groups usually helps facilitate discussion.

要是你再合作些，事情就会变得更容易。

It would facilitate matters if you were more co-operative.

verbal: adj.

1. spoken, not written

The blind learners act appropriately on receiving verbal instructions or requests.

2. of, relating to, or associated with words

The conference sponsors claimed that there was never even a verbal agreement, and refused to pay.

Even though he never physically abused me, the verbal abuse was frightening.

Some people are very mathematically inclined, while some others excel in verbal skills.

有些人非常偏好数学，而有些人则在语言技能上胜人一筹。

undesirable: adj. not likely to please; not wanted; objectionable

环境保护论者声称，开发将对该地区的野生动物有不良影响。

Environmentalists claim that the development will have undesirable effects on the wild animals in the area.

The drug is effective, but has undesirable side effects, and long-term use can result in liver damage.

The incident could have undesirable consequences for the government.

sound: adj.

我修了屋顶，现在它挺坚固的。I’ve repaired the roof and it’s quite sound now.

What you want to know is: Is the building structurally sound and weatherproof?

1. in good condition; without disease or damage

2. sensible and likely to produce the right resultsEven when commenting on the poor service in the hotel he genuinely attempts to offer sound advice.As long as a strong argument or sound reasons are given for your opinions they will stand on their own.

3. physically or mentally healthyWe are of sound mind and understand perfectly well that if we attack you, you will respond in the same way.我们在幼儿园看到许多身心健康的孩子时，非常感激他们的老师。We very much appreciated the teachers of the kindergarten when we saw so many children of sound mind and body.

昨天干了一整天的体力活，夜里睡得很沉。

Yesterday I did the labor work the whole day and had a sound sleep in the night.

4. deep and peaceful (in sleep)

a sound foundationa sound economysound reasoninga sound sleepa sound mind

Collocation:

牢固的基础殷实的经济符合逻辑的推理酣睡健全的头脑

circulation: n.

Taking moderate exercise will stimulate your circulation and release the natural chemicals which make you feel relaxed and invigorated.

The improved blood circulation enables practitioners to perform tasks in a more vigorous and healthy manner.

1. the flow of gas or liquid around a closed system, esp. the movement of blood through the body

2. the passing of something, such as money or news, from place to place or person to person

The Wall Street Journal boasts the largest daily paper circulation, a little less than two million.

The Treasury Department plans to remove old coins from circulation and replace them with new ones.

blood circulation 血液循环newspaper circulation 报纸发行量currency circulation 货币流通enjoy a huge circulation 畅销withdraw from circulation 停止发行；停止流通

Collocation:

distraction: n. something or someone that distracts, esp. an amusement

More importantly, urban development was regarded as a distraction from the real issues of environment and development.

Mrs. Smith planned to finish the final draft of her paper, but her baby’s constant crying drove her to distraction.

宿舍里使人分心的事物太多，使我难以集中精力学习。

There are too many distractions in the dorm for me to concentrate on my study.

keep pace with:move, increase, change, etc. at the same speed as sb./sth.

The supply of materials cannot keep pace with the demand.

Pensions and benefits had not risen to keep pace with the rate of inflation, especially in the 1970s.工资的提高是否与通货膨胀同步？

Are wages keeping pace with inflation?

disposal: n. the act of getting rid of something; removal

他对这个困难的处理使大家都感到满意。His disposal of the difficulty pleased everybody.

Air pollution and waste disposal were the two issues most in need of further legislation, according to the research.

His will arranged for the disposal of his property after his death.

He is considering the disposition of furniture in his new house.

侧重于表示把某物“处理掉”，其方式可以是“卖”、“白送”或者是“毁掉”等。例如：

侧重于表示把物品整齐地排列起来。

这两个名词都与动词 dispose 有关，都可以表示“处置”、“处理”。CF: disposal & disposition

disposition

disposal

他在考虑怎样在新居中布置家具。

他在遗嘱中安排了自己死后财产如何处理。

NB: 短语 at one’s disposal 和 at ( 或 in) one’s disposition 都表示“由某人任意支配”，即想怎么处置就怎么处置。然而前者特别强调两点：①任意使用；②任凭某人的指挥。例如：

They put the villa at the disposal of the bridal couple.

他们叫那对新婚夫妇随意使用那所别墅。

He had at his disposition large sums of money.

他可以支配大量的金钱。

unconsciously: adv.

在交谈时，有些人会无意中模仿谈话对象。

Mary watched the TV program in silence, unconsciously rubbing her hand on her dress.

without conscious control; without realizing; involuntarily or unintendedly

In conversation, some people unconsciously imitate the people they are speaking with.

NB: conscious adj. 有知觉的；有意识的 → unconscious adj. 无知觉的；无意识的 → consciously adv. 有知觉地；有意识地 → unconsciously adv. 无知觉地；无意识地 → consciousness n. 知觉；意识 → unconsciousness n. 无知觉；无意识

不用担心，你的血压在正常范围内。

As a new employee, you will receive a salary in the range of $1,586 to $1,766 per month depending on qualifications and experience.

1. n. the (measurable) limits within which variable amounts or qualities are included

2. vi. vary within specified limits

In the school, there were 120 students whose ages ranged from 10 to 18.

The conversation ranged over a variety of topics, from sport to current affairs.

Don’t worry. Your blood pressure’s well within the normal range.

factor: n. any of the forces, conditions, influences, etc. that act with others to bring about a result

Money will be the key factor when we decide to buy a new house.

Race should never be a deciding factor in a hiring decision.

待人友好是她迅速获得成功的重要因素。Her friendly manner is an important factor in her rapid success.

internal factors 内因external factors 外因adverse factors 不利因素contributing factors 促成因素

Collocation:

impression: n. (usually followed by on) an image or effect that is produced in the mind by a person, event, experience, etc.

His family had been very poor when he was young, and it had left a lasting impression on him.Nothing creates a worse impression than people who are late for meetings.

说到求职面试，第一印象很重要。

When it comes to job interviews, first impressions are important.

ensure: vt. make (something) certain to happen

Having a positive attitude about your progress will ensure you have continued success.

我们可以保证把工作做好。

We can ensure that the work will be done in the right way.

A letter of introduction will ensure you an interview.

I assure you (that) there’s no danger.

I can assure you of the reliability of the news.我向你保证没有危险。

我可以向你保证这消息是可靠的。

凭一封介绍信准保你会受到接待。If you want to ensure that you get the diploma, you have to work harder and take all these curricula and pass them.

如果你想确保获得文凭，就得努力些，选修所有这些课程并通过考试。

My house is insured against fire.

It is wise to insure your property against storm damage.

强调使人相信某个行为或力量产生的结果。例如：

强调消除某人思想上的怀疑或担心，从而有达到目的的保证感。例如：

这些动词都有“保证”之意。

多指经济方面的保证、保险。例如：

我的房子保了火险。

将你的财产保暴风雨灾险是明智的。

After readingAfter reading

• Useful expressions

• Optional classroom activitiesOptional classroom activities

• Proverbs and quotations

1. 人际关系 personal relationships2. 促成 contribute to3. 感觉受冷落 feel deserted4. 往往 tend to5. 借助 resort to6. 考虑在内 take into account7. 一定会 be bound to8. 引起 give rise to

9. 避免误解 avoid misunderstanding

10. 缺乏交流 lack of communication

13. 生理功能 physiological function

14. 血液流通 blood circulation

15. 跟上 keep pace with

16. 任某人处置 at one’s disposal17. 心理因素 psychological factors

18. 起作用 come into play

19. 忘乎所以 be carried away

20. 牢记 bear … in mind

11. 面临 be confronted with

12. 言语交流 verbal communication

Directions: In groups of three or four, make a list of the things we college students can do to be good listeners. Combine your list with those of other groups and work out a complete list. Put up the list on the classroom wall to remind the class of the things you should do throughout the semester.Suggestions for this activity:The following steps may be followed.

Step 1:

Each student thinks of two or more things they can do (e.g. be modest, attentive, tolerant, patient, when communicating with/listening to their parents, teachers, classmates, even strangers and foreigners).

Step 2:

Share the ideas with other members of the group (add, subtract, modify the coarse materials, discuss with each other and form an agreed list).

Step 3:

Each group writes on the board the list they come up with.

Step 4:

The whole class vote for the ten most important things they should do and work out a complete list.Step 5:

Each student frequently compares their daily performance in listening to others with the complete list, which may act as a reminder. It is advisable to modify the list when and where necessary.

1. See, listen, and be silent, and you will live in peace.

多看多听少多嘴，你会太平过日子。2. The wise man is always a good listener. 智者善听人言。3. To make enemies, talk; to make friends, listen. 要成仇敌，多讲；要成朋友，多听。

4. I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen. — Ernest Hemingway, American

writer 我喜欢倾听。从仔细聆听中我学到了很多。大多数人从不倾听。

—— 美国作

家 E. 海明威

5. We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. — Epictetus, Greek philosopher

我们有两只耳朵一张嘴巴，这样我们可以多听少说。

—— 希腊哲学家爱比克泰德