Most People Never Do This — But They Should

Adrian S. Potter
4 min readDec 24, 2023

Listen completely.

Photo by Tom Jur on Unsplash

The Secondhand Inspiration Project begins with a motivational quote and ventures wherever the creative path meanders.

Ernest Hemingway was a Nobel Prize-winning author who revolutionized 20th-century literature with concise prose and powerful storytelling.

His impact lies in shaping the modern American literary landscape, influencing generations of writers, and exploring themes of war, masculinity, and existentialism in a profound and enduring manner.

Hemingway provided the world with wisdom. My favorite quote of his is timeless advice:

“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.”

This phrase resonates in today’s self-centered society. In an era dominated by constant distractions, incessant digital communication, and a culture that prioritizes individual expression over genuine connection, listening has become a rare and invaluable skill.

In our fast-paced world, people remain preoccupied with their own thoughts, ambitions, and the ever-increasing demands of technology.

Chatter on social media platforms, instant messaging, and the allure of constant connectivity have fostered an echo-chambered environment where…

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Adrian S. Potter

Antisocial Extrovert · Writer and Poet, Engineer, Consultant, Public Speaker · Writing about self-improvement, gratitude, and creativity · www.adrianspotter.com