Awareness Practices From Plutarch—An Ancient Guide on How to Listen.
A Simple Guide from Plutarch
The story begins while exploring the works of Plutarch. I found an interesting small book with the title “On listening”. Greek: Περί του Ακούειν.
He is telling us a simple but incredibly wise thing. And, this wisdom could benefit you. That’s why I am sharing this knowledge. This advice is not only about how to become a better listener and communicator. It is the strongest initiation in awareness and sensitivity. To be a good listener is to master your thinking mind. The art of mindfulness, philosophy, awareness, and meditation practices along the ages are based upon sound and the ability to know what your ears are hearing.
Plutarch’s Advice 1.
Ancient Greek: "καθάπερ τὸ σῶμα ἀκινησίᾳ καὶ ἀχρηστία τήκεται, οὕτως καὶ ὁ νοῦς τὴν ἀκρόασιν ἀποδεχόμενος ἀπαθῶς ἀνενέργητός ἐστι."
(Περὶ τοῦ ἀκούειν, 7)
English:
"Just as the body weakens from inactivity and disuse, so too does the mind remain ineffective when it listens passively."
Why is this important?
Because we need to remember that listening is a sacred act and a great way to remain alive in the present moment. To be present is to have the control of your mind. To control your mind, you have to let it free.
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Plutarch’s Advice 2
Ancient Greek: "οὐ γὰρ δεῖ ζητεῖν τὸ τέρπειν ἀλλὰ τὸ ὠφελεῖν."
(Περὶ τοῦ ἀκούειν)
English:
"We must not seek what is pleasing, but what is beneficial."
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Plutarch’s Advice 3
Ancient Greek:"πολλοὶ οὐ τὸν λόγον ἀκούουσιν, ἀλλὰ τὸ πάθος ἐπέρχονται."
(Περὶ τοῦ ἀκούειν, 16)
English
"Many do not listen to the argument, but instead let their emotions take over."
Why is this important?
Because we often filter what we hear through our emotions. When we hear the speach of someone we dislike, we might reject their words even if they are right. In debates, many people attack who is speaking rather than what is being said (ad hominem fallacy). Criticism is directed toward the opponent's character, which is irrelevant to the discussion. Plutarch reminds us to separate emotion from reason.
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Plutarch’s Advice 4
Ancient Greek: "δεῖ δὲ μὴ παραυτίκα προσδέχεσθαι τὸν λόγον, ἀλλὰ χρόνον ἐᾶν, ὡς πολλάκις αὐτὸν διορθούμενον ὑπὸ τοῦ λέγοντος."
— Πλούταρχος (Περὶ τοῦ ἀκούειν)
English"One must not immediately accept what is said, but allow time, for often the speaker corrects himself."
Why is this important?
This teaches patience in conversation. Many people rush to respond, but by waiting, we allow the speaker to refine their thoughts and our “reaction” to not be a reaction but a solid action navigated by your mind. This is especially relevant in today’s fast-paced online communication, where people react instantly, creating more conflicts than already exist and there are a lot in existence. I love the fact that he emphasizes this space between the end of your conversational partner’s speech and your response. I think that this is my favorite advice in this book and maybe the most difficult. Even if I have become good at letting the other person finish his speech, I often catch myself rushing to respond immediately. This is the path of becoming an excellent facilitator of a discussion.
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Plutarch’s advice 5
Ancient Greek: "οὐ δεῖ τοῖς προσώποις ἀπιστεῖν, ἀλλὰ τῷ λόγῳ τὸν νοῦν προσάγειν."
—Πλούταρχος
"One must not distrust people because of their appearance but focus their mind on the argument."
—Plutarch
Why is this important?
Many people interpret a message with filters, by the appearance of a speaker rather than by its truth.We should be able to entertains all ideas, even those that we don’t agree or accept, beyond personal biases that have to do with a person’s appearance or status—whether the speaker is rich or poor, famous or unknown, their words should be judged on their own merit.
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Plutarch’s advice 6
Ancient Greek: "τοὺς ἐλέγχους δὲ μὴ βαρέως φέρειν, ἀλλ’ ὡς ἰατρικὸν τι δέχεσθαι."
(Περὶ τοῦ ἀκούειν, 20)
English:
"One must not see criticism as a bad thing, but receive it as if it were medicine."
Why is this important?
It’s common for us to resent criticism. According to Plutarch, criticism can be seen as helpful, like medicine—even if it is unpleasant, it can improve us. You can use this wisdom in workplaces, in your education and personal growth journey, and to increase your awareness about you and others.
Listening as a Sacred Practice of Initiation
About 10+ years ago, I learned how to meditate by using the sounds that my ears can hear. The ability to be aware of the soundscape around you is crucial. It’s a simple, deep, and beautiful practice. It can stay with you for the rest of your life and enrich you with its fruits. Plus, you can practice almost every day as long as you engage in conversations. Whenever you lose the control of you thinking-mind, remember this beautiful awareness practice by Plutarch and remember to come back and read it every once in a while.
Kind regards,
Sotiris
