The time in our own life when we came closest to being convinced by silence was one time at sea in a light fall of snow. We heard nothing—no gravel, no wind, no waves, no wolves, no bell buoy. It was convincing and it was beautiful.

About E. B. White

Elwyn Brooks White (July 11, 1899 – October 1, 1985) was an American writer, essayist, and a contributing editor for The New Yorker magazine. He was also the author of highly popular books for children: Stuart Little (1945), Charlotte's Web (1952), and The Trumpet of the Swan (1970).

More quotations from E. B. White

I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority.

—E. B. White

nature

Democracy means government by discussion, but it is only effective if you can stop people talking.

—E. B. White

democracy

The only sense that is common in the long run, is the sense of change-and we all instinctively avoid it.

—E. B. White

change

Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts.

—E. B. White

The time not to become a father is eighteen years before a war.

—E. B. White

war age fatherhood military

More quotations tagged with “quiet”

Are you going to come quietly, or do I have to use earplugs?

—Spike Milligan

quiet earplugs

Love isn't found in words. It's found in quiet moments, a look, a sigh, a smile, a gladness. And very often, it's shown with sacrifice.

—Lorraine Heath in Just Wicked Enough

love sacrifice quiet gladness

Just because I'm quiet doesn't mean I'm aloof. Maybe I just want to be alone. Maybe I'm not good at conversation. We all can't be cool and gregarious and 'Hey, bro what up?' like he apparently is. Some of us aren't wired for that.

—Jenn Bennett in Approximately

alone conversation quiet introversion aloof

I turn off the radio, listen to the quiet. Which has its own rich sound. Which I knew, but had forgotten. And it is good to remember.

—Elizabeth Berg in Open House

sound radio quiet

Cultivate quietness in your speech, in your thoughts, in your emotions. Speak habitually low. Wait for attention and then your low words will be charged with dynamite.

—Elbert Hubbard

emotions speech quiet

History

7 Aug 2015 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

The time in our own life when we came closest to being convinced by silence was one time at sea in a light fall of snow. We heard nothing — no gravel, no wind, no waves, no wolves, no bell buoy. It was convincing and it was beautiful.