Closed-minded people don’t want their ideas challenged.

For the most part people are not curious except about themselves.

Most people who believe they are meditating are merely thinking with their eyes closed.

People only ask questions when they're ready to hear the answers.

It is always assumed by the empty-headed, who chatter about themselves for want of something better, that people who do not discuss their affairs openly must have something to hide.

People who don't think shouldn't talk.

A narrow mind and a big mouth usually lead to pointless arguments.

The more a man knows, the less he talks.

The person who is certain is most closed to learning, most vulnerable to dogma, and most likely to be blindsided and overtaken by innovators.

As people gain more authority, they often develop a lack of patience in listening to those under them. A deaf ear is the first indication of a closed mind.

I found that it was easier to think up questions than to ask them.

Sometimes, when you don't ask questions, it's not because you are afraid that someone will lie to your face. It's because you're afraid they'll tell you the truth.

People who make up their minds about something never listen to advice - especially when it's to the contrary.

The world is filled with polite, shy, inscrutable, unintelligible, tight lipped, superficial, dishonest and also honest people who for one reason or another do not say what they think. The search for freedom of speech has barely begun. Many do not reveal their thoughts because they are not sure what they think. Many would be braver in their speech if they were more certain of a sympathetic hearing. Many, particularly in places where success depends on conformity, are schooled to be hypocrites. The hidden thoughts in other people’s heads are the great darkness that surrounds us.