The less you talk, the more you’re listened to.

The aphorism argues that verbal economy can increase one’s persuasive power. Talking less can signal self-control, invite curiosity, and create space for others to project importance onto what is said; it also reduces the chance of saying something careless that undermines credibility. Implicitly, it recommends listening and choosing words deliberately rather than competing for airtime. The quote also reflects a social dynamic: attention is scarce, and people often tune out verbosity, while concise statements can feel more authoritative and memorable. As advice, it champions restraint as a strategy for being taken seriously and for keeping conversations from escalating into unproductive conflict.