Robert Louis Stevenson: 'The correction of silence is what kills; when you know you have transgressed, and your friend says nothing, and avoids your eye.'

The correction of silence is what kills; when you know you have transgressed, and your friend says nothing, and avoids your eye.

In his famous quote, Robert Louis Stevenson explores the profound impact of silence in the context of friendship and personal growth. The words he used, "The correction of silence is what kills," highlight the importance of open and honest communication within relationships. Stevenson suggests that when we know we have done something wrong and our friend chooses to say nothing and avoids our gaze, it can be more detrimental than any explicit criticism.At first glance, this quote seems to emphasize the significance of feedback and accountability in fostering personal development. When we make mistakes or act out of line, it is natural to expect our friends to point out our errors or offer guidance. However, when met with silence instead, Stevenson argues that the absence of correction can have a profound impact. It leaves us with a lingering sense of guilt, uncertainty, and a missed opportunity for growth.But let us delve deeper into this concept. Silence can also represent something greater than just the absence of words. Consider the philosophical notion of silence as a metaphorical reflection of our inner selves. Silence can be seen as the space in which we introspect, confront our transgressions, and ultimately find redemption.In this light, Stevenson's quote takes on a new and unexpected interpretation. The "correction of silence" becomes not just about external feedback, but an internal confrontation with our own actions. When we know we have crossed a boundary and our friend chooses silence, it is an invitation to look within ourselves and confront the consequences of our behavior.Contrasting the two interpretations, we can observe that the external correction of our friends can guide us towards self-improvement, while the internal correction through silence challenges us to cultivate self-awareness and engage in deep introspection. Both avenues have value and can contribute to personal growth, but they operate on distinct planes.Stevenson's quote sparks the question of how we navigate these contrasting aspects of correction. Is it better for our friends to vocalize their disapproval, or is silence the more profound path to self-discovery and transformation? The answer is perhaps less straightforward than one may expect. Both approaches have their merits, and the ideal blend may vary depending on the individual, the transgression at hand, and the nature of the friendship.Ultimately, what the quote teaches us is the importance of open communication and understanding within our relationships. It reminds us that the correction of silence has the power to impact us profoundly, and therefore, we must make a conscious effort to strike a balance between external feedback and internal introspection.In conclusion, Robert Louis Stevenson's quote urges us to pay attention to the correction of silence within our friendships. It emphasizes that while explicit feedback is crucial, there is also value in the introspective silence that forces us to confront ourselves. Striking a delicate balance between these two forms of correction can foster personal growth and strengthen the bonds we share with others. So let us embrace both the spoken words and the unspoken reflections, recognizing the different roles they play in our journey towards becoming better versions of ourselves.