Problem with our society is we only listen to ourselves: CJI

CJI Chandrachud urges citizens to break their own echo chambers by having the audacity to listen to others. He stresses that strength is not shown by anger or violence, but by being respectful and retaining the ability to humanise people with humility and grace. He encourages success that is value-ridden and not compromised on principles and values. He also pays tribute to Savitribai Phule who encouraged education despite patriarchal tendencies. Lastly, he advises to never shut one's mind and to learn from the questions of others.

Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud on Saturday urged citizens to have the audacity to listen to others and break their own echo chambers.

The CJI was speaking at the 20th convocation ceremony of the Symbiosis International (Deemed) University in Pune.

“The power of listening to others is important in every sphere of life. It is enormously liberating to yield that space to others. The problem with our society is that we are not listening to others… we are listening only to ourselves,” he said.

By having the audacity to listen one concedes that the individual may not have all the right answers but is willing to explore and find them, the CJI said, adding it also gives a chance to break “our own echo chambers” and “give us a newer understanding of the world around us”.

“Life has a peculiar way of teaching us. Let humility, courage and integrity be your companions in this journey,” he said.

CJI Chandrachud added that contrary to the common misconception, strength is not shown by anger or violence or by being disrespectful to people in one’s personal space and professional life.

“The real intelligence and strength of people is in their ability to face the many adversities of life and retain their ability to humanise people around them with humility and grace,” he added.