By Pradeep Jaisingh, PGP 1989
I recently read Anthony Hopkins’ memoir, We Did OK, Kid. Among its many moving passages was his reference to the poem Silentium. The poem carries a simple but profound message: hold your deepest thoughts, dreams, and aspirations quietly within yourself. Not every ambition needs to be spoken aloud. Some dreams grow best in silence.
As I read those words, I realised they, in a way, described my own journey that I have unconsciously followed for most of my life.
When I came to IIMA, like most of us, I also carried many hopes. I, too, wanted to build a meaningful career, make something of my life, and discover what future really held for me.
Yet I rarely spoke about these ambitions. To anyone.
Till a few days ago, I didn’t know about Silentium at all. Never heard of it.
And when I did, it really resonated with me.
Looking back, I believe that silence became one of my greatest allies.
There is something fragile about a dream in its early stages. Like a seed beneath the soil, it needs nourishment before exposure. Speaking about it too early sometimes satisfies the emotional reward before the work has even begun. We can mistake the applause for achievement.
Silence protects the dream.
It allows the aspiration to mature without the weight of other people’s expectations, doubts, or unsolicited advice. It frees us from the need to defend our choices or explain our progress. Most importantly, it keeps our energy focused on the work itself rather than on talking about the work.
Many of the milestones that became important chapters of my life were known only to a handful of people while they were taking shape. Whether it was a career decision, an entrepreneurial journey to build cancer centres in India, or an entirely different personal pursuit, I found comfort in keeping it close to my heart. Not because I feared failure, but because I valued concentration.
There is a quiet confidence in not needing external validation.
In an age where every intention is instantly shared, where social media encourages us to announce our goals before taking the first step, Silentium offers a refreshing counterpoint. It reminds us that there is dignity in privacy. That not every milestone requires an audience. That meaningful work often happens away from the spotlight.
This does not mean living in secrecy or refusing the support of trusted family, mentors, or close friends. Every journey benefits from wise counsel. But there is a difference between seeking guidance and seeking attention.
The older I grow, the more I appreciate the value of an inner life that is not constantly on display.
Some of our richest conversations are the ones we have with ourselves. Some of our most important decisions emerge not from public discussion but from quiet reflection. Sometimes on walks in the forest. In fact, many times.
In silence we hear our own voice more clearly than the noise of the world.
Anthony Hopkins’ reference to Silentium reminded me that this way of living has accompanied me for decades. I, of course, did not consciously adopt it from a poem; I simply discovered that it worked. It allowed me to stay focused, remain grounded, and derive satisfaction from the journey rather than from the recognition.
There is an old saying that deep rivers flow silently. Perhaps deep lives do too.
Dream boldly. Work diligently. Share generously when the work is complete. But while the dream is still finding its shape, let silence be its companion. Life has been such a blessing, and that silent resolve —a constant companion.
Author Bio:
Pradeep (PGP 1989) has been an entrepreneur, a global business executive, and a fellow at the Distinguished Careers Institute at Stanford University. Founder of International Oncology, Healthstart, and Outcancer Foundation. Presently, one of India’s most prolific angel investors.
