It requires wisdom to understand wisdom: the music is nothing if the audience is deaf

It requires wisdom to understand wisdom: the music is nothing if the audience is deaf

Walter Lippmann, a prominent American journalist and political commentator, understood the importance of wisdom in communication and the role of the audience in receiving and interpreting information. His quote, "It requires wisdom to understand wisdom: the music is nothing if the audience is deaf," speaks to the idea that effective communication is a two-way street. In order for a message to be truly impactful, it must be understood and appreciated by the audience.

Lippmann believed that the responsibility of the communicator is not just to transmit information, but to ensure that it is received and understood by the intended audience. This requires a deep understanding of the audience's needs, beliefs, and perspectives. Without this understanding, the message may fall on deaf ears, no matter how well-crafted or insightful it may be.