"Yet he dismisses without notice his thought, because it is his. In every work of genius we recognize our own rejected thoughts: they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty." ("Self Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emmerson.)
I find myself to be a perfect example of this quote. I always seem to find myself listening to a discussion and while listening developing my own ideas in my head. These ideas seem like they are the greatest ideas in the world, but I do not voice them. Many reasons come to my head when thinking about this. Am I afraid of being wrong, being criticized for what I have to say, or do I just don't trust myself that my ideas are right. For what ever reason it is, I do not say anything. I remain silent as to think being silent means I am safe from scrutiny, there in lies the true mistake that I make. Remaining silent is the more hostile position to take in an discussion. At least if I voice my opinion people will know what I believe or think. When I remain silent, the people around me do not know my opinion on the subject. This allows the other people to create ideas that they think is really my take on this subject. This is very dangerous because if they are wrong then I am thought of in a totally different manner then if they actually knew my opinion. I gain respect when i voice my opinion, but if I don't say anything I appear weak.
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