Breaking Silence

[DISCLAIMER]

Photo obtained from Google search on July 16, 2025, fair use

There’s a common sensationalist tactic used in media by which an article states that person X “breaks silence” (and derivatives thereunto) regarding subject Y. For example, ‘Deric finally breaks his silence on the manipulative use of clickbait schemes from members of the media!’

The inference related to this method of attention-seeking is that person X absolutely mustn’t remain silent about subject Y. Why mustn’t person X reserve an opinion about subject Y? About this matter, I think of the psychotherapeutic modality I practice, as well as a book I’m reading.

As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is informed by Stoic philosophy, this blog entry is part of an ongoing series regarding a book entitled The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.

Before proceeding further, I propose that we focus on a current topic for the sake of discussion. Herein, let’s use the subject of information said to be associated with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. For context, one source states:

The assertion by Elon Musk last month that Donald J. Trump was named in the F.B.I. files concerning the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein signaled a loud, public crack in the president’s support system.

That crack has become a chasm in recent days after the administration suddenly reversed course on its longstanding promises to reveal previously unknown details of the investigation into Mr. Epstein, who was awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges before his death in 2019.

Without needing a cunning ploy for me to “break silence,” I’ve already addressed this matter in a blogpost entitled There Is No War in Ba Sing Se. Regarding the persons X of the world opining on subjects Y, authors of The Daily Stoic quote philosopher Plutarch (page 68):

Cato practiced the kind of public speech capable of moving the masses, believing proper political philosophy takes care like any great city to maintain the warlike element. But he was never seen practicing in front of others, and no one ever heard him rehearse a speech.

When he was told that people blamed him for his silence, he replied, ‘Better they not blame my life. I begin to speak only when I’m certain what I’ll say isn’t better left unsaid.’

I appreciate the reported perspective of Cato. Perhaps Attorney General Pam Bondi could’ve taken a note from Cato’s playbook, rather than speaking in detriment of her previous position. About this matter, authors of The Daily Stoic state (page 68):

It’s easy to act—to just dive in. It’s harder to stop, to pause, to think: No, I’m not sure I need to do that yet. I’m not sure I am ready.

As Cato entered politics, many expected swift and great things from him —stirring speeches, roaring condemnations, wise analyses. He was aware of this pressure—a pressure that exists on all of us at all times—and resisted. It’s easy to pander to the mob (and to our ego).

Breaking silence may be useful in some situations (e.g., notifying members of the public that an imminent threat to safety is at hand). Yet, doing so isn’t particularly helpful in other circumstances (i.e., stating that Epstein files exist, and then suspiciously retracting the claim).

Sometimes, it may be appropriate to simply say nothing at all. At least, regarding the Epstein debacle, it may’ve been wise for members of the Trump administration to be truthful upfront. Concluding their outlook on this topic, authors of The Daily Stoic state (page 68):

Instead, he [Cato] waited and prepared. He parsed his own thoughts, made sure he was not reacting emotionally, selfishly, ignorantly, or prematurely. Only then would he speak—when he was confident that his words were worthy of being heard.

To do this requires awareness. It requires us to stop and evaluate ourselves honestly. Can you do that?

I’m able to keep from proffering an opinion. Regarding my blog, I suspect that approximately 85% of the subjects about which I’d like to talk are left unsaid. Ergo, I’m not swayed by sensationalist tactics about breaking silence, as verbally breaking wind isn’t always appropriate.

Moving forward, perchance members of the Trump administration could practice a similar Stoic approach to rational living. However, thinking rationally (in accordance with both logic and reason) doesn’t appear to be the strong suit of the current administration.

Fortunately, I’ve observed a significant number of people online, who claim to have voted or at least tacitly supported Trump, expressing rational thinking in regard to mishandling of the Epstein situation. Thus, I suspect that the Democrats will prevail in the midterm elections.

Given understanding about how breaking wind (silence) may not always be wise, using a Cato approach to life, what psychoeducational lesson from this blogpost will you utilize moving forward? Also, if you’d like to know more about REBT, then I look forward to hearing from you.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

References:

Barrett, D. (2025, July 15). What to know about the Epstein files, a perfect recipe for conspiracy theories. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/15/us/politics/jeffrey-epstein-files-trump.html

Daily Stoic. (n.d.). Translating the Stoics: An interview with “The Daily Stoic” co-author Stephen Hanselman. Retrieved from https://dailystoic.com/stephen-hanselman-interview/

Holiday, R. and Hanselman, S. (2016). The daily stoic: 366 meditations on wisdom, perseverance, and the art of living. Penguin Random House LLC. Retrieved from https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-daily-stoic-366-meditations-on-wisdom-perseverance-and-the-art-of-living-d61378067.html

Hollings, D. (2024, July 9). Absolutistic should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/absolutistic-should-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2024, June 2). Blame. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/blame

Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer

Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use

Hollings, D. (2024, May 17). Feeling better vs. getting better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feeling-better-vs-getting-better-1

Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better

Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/

Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching

Hollings, D. (2023, January 8). Logic and reason. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/logic-and-reason

Hollings, D. (2024, November 6). Media. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/media

Hollings, D. (2023, April 24). On truth. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-truth

Hollings, D. (2024, November 18). Opinions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/opinions

Hollings, D. (2025, April 25). Preferences vs. expectations. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/preferences-vs-expectations

Hollings, D. (2024, January 1). Psychoeducation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychoeducation

Hollings, D. (2023, September 15). Psychotherapeutic modalities. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapeutic-modalities

Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist

Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt

Hollings, D. (2024, May 15). Rational living. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-living

Hollings, D. (2024, April 21). Stoicism. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/stoicism

Hollings, D. (2025, July 8). There is no war in Ba Sing Se. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/there-is-no-war-in-ba-sing-se

Hollings, D. (2025, February 28). To try is my goal. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-try-is-my-goal

Lucas, R. (2025, July 15). Attorney General Bondi brushes aside questions about her handling of Epstein files. NPR. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2025/07/15/g-s1-77698/pam-bondi-jeffrey-epstein-justice-department

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Cato the Younger. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cato_the_Younger

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Clickbait. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clickbait

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Donald Trump. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Elon Musk. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elon_Musk

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Jeffrey Epstein. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Epstein

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Jeffrey Epstein client list. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Epstein_client_list

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Pam Bondi. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pam_Bondi

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Plutarch. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plutarch

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Ryan Holiday. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Holiday