The Twelve Tenets of Shh!
Here is an impromptu set of twelve commands that, perhaps with some refinement, Silence herself might honor. In any case, regardless of her patronage, they represent a thorough explanation of many of the meanings of that diverse word, silence. Each of the commands uses a slightly different concept of “silence,” and is broad enough to accommodate both the noun and verb instances. I would invite anyone interested to give their interpretation of each use of the word, that I might compare it with my own interpretation.

This record of commands also conveys my own conception of silence as one of the major forms of self-expression, and the greatest of all defensive postures.

The genesis of this record was in a conversation earlier this afternoon with ZeaLitY, who was concerned about replying with honesty to my previous entry on the three religious questions, lest his family or future employers discover his true identity and expose him to unpleasant moments. I spoke to him of the importance of being honest with oneself, in public, but also acknowledged that such forthrightness is not always prudent, and said this:

Silence can be tactful, even strategic. Silence is the most powerful of all defensive postures in public discourse. But, Mr. Z, when silence equates to omission, it costs something.

A few minutes later, when the conversation had progressed to his perennial concern over dealing with human pettiness, in others as well as himself, I then said this:

Don't let your ego get in the way of your ambitions. Deal with people however they come. Either they are your means, or you are your own enemy.

And that, of course, is Command No. 5 in my list below. The rest easily followed.

The necessity of the alternative of silence for all commands is crucial in understanding that most of the time silence itself is not an ideal action or state of being, but is always the best alternative.

These commands are sequenced with care, meaning they are to be honored in order.

Finally, the use of words beginning with the letter P is an exercise in diction, something I have gotten a bit flabby with in my casual writing. And now without further ado, the Eleven Tenets and One Ban of Silence:

* * *

One.
In ignorance, ask, or silence. Do not profess.

Two.
In possibility, explore, or silence. Do not prohibit.

Three.
In thought, reason, or silence. Do not presume.

Four.
In truth, seek, or silence. Do not pick.

Five.
In ego, treat, or silence. Do not perform.

Six.
In exposition, reveal, or silence. Do not prevaricate.

Seven.
In conversation, communicate, or silence. Do not prattle.

Eight.
In argument, prove, or silence. Do not proclaim.

Nine.
In action, function, or silence. Do not piddle.

Ten.
In deed, achieve, or silence. Do not procrastinate.

Eleven.
In pleasure, appreciate, or silence. Do not preoccupy.


Zero.
AND IN LIFE, DO NOT BE SILENT.