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On a quiet 3am Monday morning, I was looking through some videos of Singapore's GE2025 General Elections and I suddenly felt an urge to listen to 'The Sound of Silence' again, tears forming in my eyes as I listen.
Whenever I hear 'The Sound of Silence' sang by my favorite singers Simon & Garfunkel, there's an eerie, haunting quality that settles over me. It's not just the melody — it's the weight of the silence it speaks about.
Somehow, I feel that the sense of loneliness grows deeper when a society develops too fast, we seem to be living in a world full of noise but yet we seem to be more and more devoid of connection. The song somehow profoundly unsettles me. I feel its reminiscent of a society where words are empty, where listening is rare and where meaning gets lost in the noise.
On a quiet 3am Monday morning, I was looking through some videos of Singapore's GE2025 General Elections and I suddenly felt an urge to listen to 'The Sound of Silence' again, tears forming in my eyes as I listen.
Whenever I hear 'The Sound of Silence' sang by my favorite singers Simon & Garfunkel, there's an eerie, haunting quality that settles over me. It's not just the melody — it's the weight of the silence it speaks about.
Somehow, I feel that the sense of loneliness grows deeper when a society develops too fast, we seem to be living in a world full of noise but yet we seem to be more and more devoid of connection. The song somehow profoundly unsettles me. I feel its reminiscent of a society where words are empty, where listening is rare and where meaning gets lost in the noise.
"Hello darkness, my old friend..."
Darkness in my opinion symbolises loneliness, inner turmoil, or maybe even depression. Calling 'silence' an "old friend" suggests that sadness is familiar — almost comforting in its consistency. It's not just literal night — it may be emotional darkness.
"Because a vision softly creeping / Left its seeds while I was sleeping"
Usually in dreams or subconscious moments, truths or realizations reveal itself — often without the person consciously inviting them.
"And the vision that was planted in my brain / Still remains / Within the sound of silence"
Even after waking up, that unsettling vision — of a disconnected, silent world — persists. "The sound of silence" becomes the haunting echo of emptiness — communication fails, people can't, don't or no longer bother to truly connect.
"In restless dreams I walked alone / Narrow streets of cobblestone"
It portrays a person who feel isolated and wandering around aimlessly in a cold and empty cityscape — alone among many others all silently wandering. Cobblestones seem to evoke a cold and probably old, perhaps broken-down world — with traditional values crumbling under modern alienation.
"People talking without speaking / People hearing without listening"
This could be a direct attack on superficial communication: like for example people "talking" and "hearing," but there's no real understanding or emotional connection. Noise without meaning could mean lots of talking, but little real conversation or understanding.
"And the people bowed and prayed / To the neon god they made"
Probably mean satisfying the ego, pursuing materialism, fame, shallow success or maybe flashy and modern consumerism that the world is promoting — and how society worships flashy influencers and wealth.
"The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls / And tenement halls"
Sometimes truth may be found in the places society overlooks.
"Whispered in the sounds of silence"
Warnings are there, but ignored by the mainstream population. There seem to be a silent cry among humanity - lamenting emotional and spiritual alienation in the modern world.
In many ways, society seem to be growing more disconnected — even though we are technically "more connected" than ever through technology.
Here’s how it looks in my point of view:
- Surface-level connection:
Social media lets us interact instantly, but much of it is curated, shallow and performative. People may have hundreds of "friends" but few deep relationships. - Deeper loneliness:
Studies show rising rates of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, especially among young people — despite being digitally "plugged in" constantly. - Polarization:
Instead of dialogue, we often see people retreating into echo chambers, only hearing views that reinforce their own. This breaks down real understanding across communities, societies and even families. - Distraction over meaning:
With endless entertainment, notifications and trends, it's easier to consume than to reflect. Hard, vulnerable conversations — the ones that build real human connection — often get avoided. - Economic pressure:
In many places, the pressure to survive financially leaves little emotional energy for building and maintaining strong relationships. People are tired, stressed and isolated.
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Acting submissive without yielding means appearing soft without surrendering strength, or being strategically agreeable while staying firmly in control of your own stance. Here’s how to walk that fine line:
1. Use Calm, Respectful Language — But Stand Your Ground
- You can say "I understand your point" without agreeing.
- Try:
“That’s a fair perspective. Here’s where I differ…”
“I hear you, and I see it a little differently.”
This shows humility without giving up your position.
2. Control Your Tone, Not Your Conviction
- Speak gently, not timidly.
- Be measured, not passive.
Think grace under pressure, not weakness.
3. Let Others Speak First — Then Speak With Precision
- Listening first creates an aura of receptiveness.
- When you speak, make it clear you’ve processed things thoughtfully.
4. Yield in Appearance, Not in Intention
- Use body language that’s open: nodding, soft eye contact, relaxed shoulders.
- Avoid crossing arms or stiff postures—but don’t shrink yourself.
5. Agree Strategically, Disagree Subtly
- “That’s one way to look at it.”
- “What if we explored another angle?”
- “Here’s something to consider…”
6. Be Respectfully Agreeable — But Hold the Line
Use phrases like:
- “I understand where you're coming from...”
- “That's a valid point — here’s our position.”
- “I see your reasoning. At the same time, this is what works for us.”
7. Ask Questions Instead of Pushing Back
Instead of saying “We won’t accept that,” try:
- “Can you help me understand how you arrived at that figure?”
- “What flexibility do you have on that condition?”
8. Stay Calm When They Get Pushy
The more composed you are, the more power you project. Let them get emotional. You stay grounded. Soft demeanor, strong stance.
9. Give the Illusion of Concession
Sometimes, it helps to “give” something small that doesn’t cost much, to protect the bigger things.
Example:
“We’re willing to be flexible on the timeline, but the price needs to reflect the market value.”
You appear cooperative, but you don’t give up what really matters.
10. Never Reveal Pressure — Even If You Feel It
Submissive doesn't mean desperate. Stay polite, professional, but never imply you’re in a rush or that you need the deal. This keeps your leverage intact.
Associate Group Director of Propnex Realty, Kiwi Lim believe that in property negotiation, it’s not the loudest voice that wins but the most strategic one. Let them underestimate you. Especially in property negotiations, acting submissive but not yielding is a high-level skill — it can lower your counterpart’s guard while you quietly hold your ground and protect your client’s interests.
