Keller @ Large: Listening Is A Dying Art

BOSTON (CBS) - Last week, something very unusual happened - Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas asked a few questions from the bench during a hearing.

That hasn't happened in more than a decade, apparently the longest period of silence during argument in the recorded history of the court, according to the New York Times.

Thomas has in the past explained his silence as in part a matter of proper manners. "I think it's unnecessary in deciding cases to ask that many questions, and I don't think it's helpful," the Times quotes him as saying during a speech at Harvard some years ago. "I think we should listen to lawyers who are arguing their cases, and I think we should allow the advocates to advocate."

What an interesting and - given the times we live in - novel argument.

Listening is a dying art. And remaining silent? These days it feels like the entire population feels compelled to speak its mind every waking second on every last thing that happens or thought that occurs.

Let's be honest and admit that close to 100% of what is said in both oral and online conversation is worthless, and yes Twitter and Facebook, I'm talking about you. But we're addicted to sharing, and it's not clear there's a cure.

I know, who am I to talk, I do plenty of opining. But that's how I make my living, and I can assure you I spare you a great deal of what passes through my mind, no need to thank me.

So I applaud Justice Thomas's habit of listening more than talking. And let's take note of the fact that when he did speak up last week, people listened extra attentively.

Listen to Jon's commentary: