Why Do We Speak More Than We Listen?
-
Desire to Be Heard: Speaking gives us a sense of identity. When we speak, we feel seen, valued, and acknowledged.
-
Ego and Recognition: Often, we speak not to connect, but to highlight our achievements — “I have done this, I am this, I achieved this.” It becomes about showcasing self-worth.
-
Fear of Silence: Many people are uncomfortable with silence. Speaking fills the gaps where deep listening or reflection should be.
-
Lack of Patience or Empathy: Listening requires effort, attention, and humility. But ego prefers expression over reception.
🧠 Why Do We Use "I" More Than "We"?
-
Individualism Over Collectivism: Society today often celebrates individual success rather than shared effort.
-
Control and Ownership: Saying "I did it" gives us ownership and power. “We” might feel like we’re sharing credit.
-
Insecurity: Constantly saying “I” can be a hidden way of proving self-worth or seeking validation from others.
Is It Good to Always Speak and Emphasize 'I'?
It depends:
Healthy Confidence: It’s okay to say “I” when taking responsibility or expressing your feelings.
Overused Ego: But when “I” becomes a tool to elevate oneself while ignoring others, it creates distance, pride, and even arrogance.
The Value of Listening and Saying 'We'
Listening builds connection.
'We' builds unity and shared responsibility.
It shifts focus from pride to purpose.
Your Insight: "Me is included in We."
That is a beautiful realization.
“I am because we are.” – Ubuntu philosophy
When we recognize that my success is part of a bigger 'we' — our family, team, community — we grow in humility and gratitude.
“From ‘I’ to ‘We’: Listening Beyond the Ego”
or
“Why We Speak More Than We Listen: A Journey from Ego to Empathy”
Why Do We Speak About "I", "Me", "My Goals", "My Achievements", "My Superiority"?
In today’s world, most of us are busy speaking — not just speaking, but speaking about ourselves.
We speak about “I have done this,”
“These are my goals,”
“I achieved that,”
“I am superior,”
“I am different,”
“I am the leader.”
But have we ever paused and asked why?
- To Be Noticed
We speak about ourselves because we want others to notice us. We want attention, appreciation, and recognition.
We feel that if I don’t speak about myself, no one will know me.
- To Prove Our Worth
We often think that if we share our achievements, others will respect us more.
We try to prove:
“I am not ordinary.”
“I have value.”
“I am better.”
This may come from insecurity, or a need to show we matter.
- To Show Power or Superiority
Sometimes, it’s not about sharing — it’s about showing off.
We speak of our degrees, our success, our knowledge, our position — to rise above others, to feel more important.
But this is where ego enters.
This is where "I" becomes heavier than truth.
- Me is Already Included in We
We forget — the word "We" already includes "Me."
When I say “We did it”, it still means I was part of it.
But when I say “I did it”, I erase others.
In a family, a team, a community, a school — nothing is achieved alone.
So why remove the others from the sentence?
- What Happens When We Don’t Listen?
When everyone speaks about themselves, who listens?
When everyone wants to be “on the stage,” who will sit in the audience?
Listening is rare.
Speaking is everywhere.
But true wisdom is found in listening — not in boasting.
So, Is Speaking About Myself Bad?
No. It’s not wrong to speak about your goals or achievements.
But intention matters:
Are you sharing to inspire or to compete?
Are you speaking to connect or to prove?
A Better Way:
Let actions speak more than words.
Let “we” replace too much “I.”
Let listening become more important than expressing.
Let humility replace pride.
"A candle does not lose its light by lighting another candle."
When we stop shouting “I” and start living “we,”
we become not just heard, but remembered.