This Class Pushed Me To Find Depth in Silence
How Participation Points Reflect Society’s Obsession with Noise
Nervously, I sat in my Philosophy class. The professor scanned the room, eyeing each of us. Another deep question left his mouth: “Can we truly know anything with certainty, or is all knowing subjective?” Five hands shot up. Were these students really ready with answers, or were they just eager to impress?
One student quickly proclaimed, “It’s all subjective,” while another confidently claimed, “No, we can’t know anything for sure.” The professor prodded them for explanations, but their responses were short, lacking depth. Their eagerness to speak seemed more about gaining participation points than truly grappling with profound questions.
I overheard some students snicker at others’ responses, and unfortunately, I understood why. The professor kept track of each time we spoke, regardless of the quality of our contributions, with tally marks next to our names for our grades. It pressured students to speak impulsively, almost out of desperation.
This trend wasn’t unique to this class; it seemed pervasive across academia. I understood that this is a teaching tactic used to encourage participation, but why did speaking up hold more value than thoughtful reflection? Unlike a math class, the answers to this Philosophy professor’s questions could not be solved quickly on a piece of paper.
I hesitated to speak simply for the sake of it. I preferred to sit with these thought-provoking questions, hoping to glean insights from the professor or fellow classmates who had already pondered similar questions. Perhaps then, I would have felt comfortable enough to share my thoughts. However, in the rapid-fire atmosphere where responses flew like darts, I felt out of place. So, I chose silence, even if it meant a hit to my grade.
Ironically, this classroom dynamic mirrors society’s obsession with noise. Speaking up, even without substance, is rewarded, leading to a culture of superficiality and reactivity. Social media platforms and political arenas amplify this trend, where the loudest voices often garner the most attention instead of the most thoughtful ones.
On the other hand, there are communities of monks who embrace silence for its power in fostering introspection and contemplation. Silence provides them with an environment that is conducive to deep meditation and spiritual growth.
In the wake of tragedy, we observe moments of silence, acknowledging the importance of reflection and honoring those affected. But what if we embraced silence regularly, not just in times of mourning? Imagine a world where silence allowed for deeper understanding and genuine connection, where individuals engage in thoughtful exchanges and felt truly heard.
