A Thought

Emily Governale
Sep 3, 2018 · 2 min read
Photo Credit: pixabay.com

*This was originally posted on my blog on 7/2/18*

Descriptions are everything. Last week while fulfilling my weekly routine of watching Meet The Press; Chuck Todd repeated a description of Charles Krauthammer (who had just died) that stayed with me all week: “He was a thought, not a soundbite.”

I’m sure some people are reading that and thinking “don’t you have to have a thought to make a soundbite?” By definition, yes. A soundbite is technically a thought. Although, the thoughts that Chuck Todd was mentioning are the ones that we formulate over time. That are born out of listening to others for a long time before speaking; the ones that are worth being shared. While a soundbite is purely a statement or idea that (most of the time) hasn’t been thought at all and is being said to gain attention; something that we have come to know very well.

That remark reminds us that not every thought is meant to be a statement. In fact, most of our thoughts probably shouldn’t be shared. At least not until we think them all the way through- which often leads us to a dead-end. More importantly, we should be thinking about why we are sharing. If it is is to further conversation then we should carry on; if not then we should shut up.

Which can be difficult in a society that values everyone getting the attention they deserve. Take solace in the fact that the thoughts which add value (and a new perspective) to a conversation are the ones that help create change. If we made a concerted effort to slow down-maybe even stop- and listen to understand, and are able to synthesize what we learn with what we already know we can form opinions (and criticisms) that aren’t devicive.

Let’s aim to be like Charles Krauthammer: thoughts and not soundbites. I know that is how I want people to remember me.

Emily Governale

Jersey girl. Blogger. Music lover. Wannabe traveler. Movie goer. And, of course, good conversation is a must. Read more at theadventuresofemmaandleigh.com

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade