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Show Successful Listeners. Next in value to a facile tongue is an untiring pair of ears. Indeed, it is more than probable that humanity has derived more solid benefit from its ears than from the "unruly member." By good listeners we mean people who can submit sub-mit to be bored to an unlimited extent without interrupting the borer or responding re-sponding in any other way than by "nods 'and becks and wreathed smiles." "Open your mouth and shut your eyes and see what heaven will send you," says the old maxim; but "shut your mouth and open your ears" would be much more sensible advice. What does a man learn by talking? Nothing. On the other hand, through the convenient doors on either side of the temple of thought, valuable informatioi. is continually con-tinually "dropping in." Even the windows win-dows in front, the eyes, are not more useful than these doors. Therefore keep them always ajar. Sleep with one ear open as well as one eye. If you are in the employ of a loquacious man of wealth match your listening powers against his volubility, though it be as perpetual as the rush of a torrent. Your endurance may have its exceeding great reward. Don't suppose that he will consider you stupid if you make no verbal reply. Punctuate his discourse discreetly with nods and shakes of the Head, laugh where the laugh comes in, and sigh where there is an opening for pathos and you will be all right. No mijjhty talker ever quarreled with a taciturn listener versed in the art of inarticulate in-articulate aasent. New York Ledger. |