Don't be a noise maker

EMPTY BARRELS MAKE THE LOUDEST NOISE

This old proverb captures human behaviour so succinctly, it express how some people would attempt to sell themselves pricey, make people think they are full of value, when they are actually almost worthless. Imagine having a barrel full of nothing but air, when you struck that barrel, it echoes loudly, but fill that barrel with any liquid substance and struck it, it barely makes a sound, however the sound it does make says how loaded the barrel is. The same is true of people. Those with the least substance often speak the loudest, while the truly knowledgeable have no need to shout.

In life, we encounter these "empty barrels" everywhere, the boastful and pompous who dominate conversations with opinions without real insight; the show-offs who crave attention at all cost, but lack depth; the critics who tear others down without offering anything constructive. Their noise is not a sign of strength, it is a cover for their weakness, and insecurity. True wisdom does not need to announce itself, it is demonstrated through quiet confidence, thoughtful action, and genuine substance.

We must not mistake volume for value. The loudest voice in the room is rarely the most worthy of attention. We should instead pay attention to those who speak less but say more, the ones whose words are not loud but carry a lot of weight because they are backed by experience, humility, and real understanding. If you find yourself in a room tempted to be the noisiest, ask yourself if your words are carrying enough value that is needed in that room, or you just want to utter words so you can be heard.

Malcolm Forbes once said, "The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one."  Rather than seeking to be heard, Seek to be an open mind, ready to receive wisdom and knowledge, ready to be filled with valuable insights. The world respects depth, not rythmic rhethorics of emptiness; they honour wisdom not lousiness. Fill yourself with knowledge, kindness, purpose, and wisdom then you will not need to make noise to be heard.

To a better you, Kamikun John.