In the modern world, issues of spirituality and interpersonal communication occupy a special place, and our topic sheds light on precisely these two aspects.

Silence: A Spiritual Force Beyond Manipulation

In the modern world, issues of spirituality and interpersonal communication occupy a special place, and our topic sheds light on precisely these two aspects. On one hand, traditions from many sources assert that true power is founded on the ability to maintain silence. This is not merely the absence of words, but a deep inner unity that can inspire and guide a person on the path of spiritual growth. This quiet strength helps preserve dignity, awakens wisdom, and serves as a unique support for the practice of spiritual values, encouraging mindfulness and inner balance.

On the other hand, when it comes to manipulation in business and interpersonal communication, the situation is quite different. It is noted that cunning and the use of people as tools lead to the breakdown of relationships, turning those involved in communication into faceless objects. Thus, it is emphasized that true silence should not be confused with the deliberate use of manipulative tactics characteristic of the business environment, where success is often achieved through fear and clever strategies.

In conclusion, it can be stated that silence as a spiritual practice acts as a powerful source of inner strength and confidence, helping a person maintain dignity and strive for a higher meaning in life. While manipulation in relationships is used to achieve temporary gains, the true power of silence lies in its ability to bring harmony, inspire self-development, and uphold sincerity in interactions with others.

Is silence a powerful tool of manipulation in communication?

The answer to your question requires distinguishing between two aspects – the use of silence in a spiritual-moral context and manipulation in interpersonal communication, especially in the business sphere.

From the provided materials, it is clear that many sources describe silence as a source of spiritual power and a sign of wisdom. For example, many quotes state:
"Silence is great power in the work of our unseen struggle and a faithful hope for victory. Silence is very gracious to him who does not rely on himself, but relies on one God. It is the guardian of sacred prayer and a wonderful helper in the practice of virtues, and at the same time, a sign of spiritual wisdom. St. Isaac says that 'guarding the tongue not only causes the mind to soar to God, but also, in evident deeds performed by the body, in secret, brings great power to accomplish them. It enlightens even secret actions, if only one observes silence with understanding'" (source: link txt).

This stance extols silence as a force capable of steering a person toward inner development, promoting meaningful behavior, and preserving dignity. Similarly, other sources (for example, files link txt, link txt, and link txt) present the same idea.

Regarding the issue of whether silence is used as a tool of manipulation in communication, none of the provided quotes directly indicate that silence is deliberately employed to manipulate people. However, one of the sources does move on to the general topic of manipulation:
"Shostrom sees the main tragedy of modernity in the fact that '...business is one of the powerful institutions of American culture, and manipulation is a habitual method for any businessman to achieve success.' But perhaps, is it not all so grim? After all, it is necessary to examine further: 'The laws of business and personal life are different, and maybe what is harmful in relationships between those close to us is beneficial for businessmen?' – Shostrom attempts to cling to one last hope. And he arrives at the disheartening conclusion: 'We know that manipulations are dangerous and destructive for interpersonal relationships... Let us remember that a manipulator regards people as things, yet ends up becoming a thing himself'" (source: link txt).

This passage draws attention to manipulation in business and interpersonal contexts, but it does not connect silence with manipulative tactics. Thus, the materials do not suggest that silence itself is considered a powerful tool of manipulation in communication. On the contrary, silence is presented as a positive, internally empowering force, especially within a spiritual-moral framework.

In summary, the sources provided do not emphasize silence as a means of manipulation in communication but rather celebrate it for its power to help a person maintain dignity and pursue spiritual growth. Manipulation is discussed separately and is not linked to the practice of silence.

Supporting citation(s):
"Silence is great power in the work of our unseen struggle and a faithful hope for victory. Silence is very gracious to him who does not rely on himself, but relies on one God. It is the guardian of sacred prayer and a wonderful helper in the practice of virtues, and at the same time, a sign of spiritual wisdom. St. Isaac says that 'guarding the tongue not only causes the mind to soar to God, but also, in evident deeds performed by the body, in secret, brings great power to accomplish them. It enlightens even secret actions, if only one observes silence with understanding'" (source: link txt)

"Shostrom sees the main tragedy of modernity in the fact that '...business is one of the powerful institutions of American culture, and manipulation is a habitual method for any businessman to achieve success.' But perhaps, is it not all so grim?... And he arrives at the disheartening conclusion: 'We know that manipulations are dangerous and destructive for interpersonal relationships... Let us remember that a manipulator regards people as things, yet ends up becoming a thing himself'" (source: link txt)