Words vs. Actions

I finally finished reading Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser. What a thoughtful story--meaning the narrator shares many insights that allow the reader to stop and think about how the story acts as an analogy for real life. Sister Carrie is a piece of literature chocked full of quotes to stockpile for everyday situations. I'm surprised I haven't heard or seen more quotes from this novel.

Here are a few of my favorites:

"Transplantation is not always successful in the matter of flowers or maidens."

"Society possesses a conventional standard whereby it judges all things. All men should be good, all women virtuous. Wherefore, villain, hast thou failed."

and my favorite, the one that has prompted me to make this post:

"People in general attach too much importance to words. They are under the illusion that talking effects great results. As a matter of fact, words are, as a rule, the shallowest portion of all the argument. They but dimly represent the great surging feelings and desires which lie behind. When the distraction of the tongue is removed, the heart listens."

Brilliant!

I can't count the number of times I've felt the need to talk and talk and talk to try and express my feelings, whether it be to my husband, my children, my family or my friends, and then often find that only a fraction of what I need to convey is understood. Yet, then I reflect on the times I've simply snuggled up with a loved one on the couch to watch a movie or read a book, smiled proudly at one of their accomplishments, or cried alongside a friend; the emotions expressed during those times are much more genuine, and are communicated more correctly than with any spoken word. I think Dreiser must have been a very wise man.

"When the distraction of the tongue is removed, the heart listens."

I think I want to make that sentiment part of my New Year's resolutions--to just listen more. Enough said.