Yes, Hamilton has had an impact on me, but the meaning Aaron Burr’s character gives to the words of this title is significantly different than the meaning I realize to be true. Talk less is important, not to remain noncommittal, but because if most humans can stop using their words to be understood long enough to listen to others, they could understand so much more about each other.
I’ve heard that one of the reasons we seem to like texting instead of talking face to face is so we don’t have to negotiate being interrupted. If you don’t know if you are an interrupter, ask your trusted friends or family. It is hard to self monitor. We are so one-minded, is it impossible for us to listen between our own busy thoughts? No good idea is so great that it can’t stand up to some thoughtful countering from civil conversation. That leads to the smile more. Civil is as civil does. A genuine smile of appreciation coupled with an interest in listening to our students, our peers and our administrators is the strong communication of allies.
By the way, you can smile with your voice, too! People can tell without seeing your face.
RecapitulationSong 