Emily Dickinson: 'Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell.'

Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell.

In her timeless quote, Emily Dickinson asserts that dogs are superior to human beings because they possess the remarkable ability to understand and perceive things without revealing or articulating them. On a straightforward level, this quote implies that dogs have a sense of discretion and loyalty that human beings often lack. However, let us delve deeper into the underlying philosophy behind it.At first glance, Dickinson's quote might seem like a simple observation about the inherent nature of dogs. It suggests that their inclination to remain silent about certain things gives them an advantage over humans, whose loquaciousness often leads to trouble or misunderstandings. Dogs, in their silence, possess a wisdom and understanding that bypasses the convoluted complexities of human communication.However, taking a step further, let us contemplate the idea of dogs "knowing but not telling" from a philosophical perspective. This concept introduces the notion of silent knowledge, or tacit knowledge, that humans seem to have lost touch with amidst the incessant flow of words and information in modern society. In contrast to human beings, whose knowledge is constantly expressed and shared, dogs possess an innate ability to hold knowledge within themselves, creating a mysterious and introspective realm of understanding.This concept of silent knowledge can be traced back to the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, who claimed that he knows nothing, despite being renowned as one of the wisest men of his time. Socrates understood that true wisdom arises from recognizing the limits of one's knowledge and embracing the potential for growth. Perhaps, dogs embody this philosophy by embracing the silence and enigma that accompanies their knowledge, instead of seeking validation through expression.Furthermore, this concept opens the door to exploring the nature of communication itself. Human beings are known to be masters of language, possessing the ability to articulate their thoughts and feelings through various means. Yet, the very act of articulating often introduces biases, misunderstandings, and misinterpretations. In contrast, dogs communicate through a language of instinct, body language, and unspoken cues, building connections on a level beyond words.Moreover, the quote suggests that dogs possess a deep sense of loyalty and trust, which enables them to hold secrets without betraying them. Humans, on the other hand, have a tendency to share information and secrets, sometimes knowingly or unknowingly causing harm or damaging relationships. Dogs, with their understanding but silent nature, bring forth a sense of integrity and loyalty that surpasses our human shortcomings.In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's quote transcends the realm of the obvious by prompting us to consider the multifaceted nature of silence, knowledge, and communication. Beyond a simple observation about the qualities of dogs versus those of humans, the quote encourages us to reflect on the elusive realm of silent knowledge that dogs seem to effortlessly inhabit. By recognizing and embracing the power of unspoken understanding, loyalty, and discretion, perhaps we can incorporate some of these virtues into our own lives and bridge the gap between our human nature and the wisdom inherent in silence.