One of the greatest philosophers of our time is Antonio Banderas 😉 His recent movie, Acts of Vengeance, has a great line. (I’m not kidding—this is what makes him worthy of being a philosopher). Here’s what he says:

“Good things happen when you shut the f*** up for a minute or two.”

In the beginning of the movie, his wife and daughter are killed, and Banderas’s character, Frank Valera, vows to get to the bottom of their death. As part of his vow, he decides that he will not speak again until the crime is solved. The movie shows how Valera does it. (No spoiler alert—it’s pretty clear that this is what happens in the movie, and I won’t tell you enough to spoil the movie. In fact, you might enjoy it even more after reading this newsletter.)

His being mute makes for some awkward one-on-one moments, such as when those he interacts with continue to wait for a response. But, more importantly, not speaking helps Valera tune into the sounds around him and into other people much more. There were many moments where he was so close to a clue and under pressure, and the temptation to say just a single word must have been huge. There were several moments in the movie where it seems as if he might finally utter a word, yet he remains silent.

It turns out that Valera’s silence is the key to helping him ultimately unlock the crime. No words he could have spoken prior to solving the crime would have even come close to the impact that his silence had.

Even though the movie is a cinematic interpretation of the importance of silence, I enjoyed it a lot. In no other movie have I seen the impact of listening and being truly present to others come to life as much as in this one.

Yes, it was made in Hollywood, but it is still holds truth about other—and maybe all—aspects of life: not following the urge to always contribute our own “wisdom” can give us tremendous insights, help us take a conversation or relationship to the next level, and allow us to be more present.

Take the next step

Can you find your “Banderas moment” this week? When you feel the strong urge to speak, defend yourself upon receiving unpleasant feedback, want to make an important point, or think that the world hinges on your next words—think for a moment of Antonio Banderas: “Good things happen, when you shut the f*** up for a minute or two.”