The essentials of speaking are in not speaking at all. If you think that you can finish something without speaking, finish it without saying a single word. If there is something that cannot be accomplished without speaking, one should speak with few words, in a way that will accord well with reason. To open ones mouth indiscriminately brings shame, and there are many times when people will turn their backs on such a person.
Hagakure
Every once in a while, I don’t have anything to write about. But I create a blog post anyway, because people come to the site and expect there to be something new. Those posts are always my worst. Very few people like them. And I’m sure I dislike them more than anyone. This is a great lesson, in that when you don’t have anything of value to say, don’t say anything. If it’s not funny, or smart, or interesting, or nice, or just something that needs to be said…keep your mouth shut. Just shut up. It makes you look smarter and more interesting. It makes you appear pensive, even if you’re shallow. It’s better for you. It’s better for everyone within earshot, that they don’t have to hear your drivel. When in doubt, the answer is to shut it.
This is me shutting up. Maybe you should too.