In the spiritual life, silence is never a goal in itself, it is only meant to give your thoughts good working conditions

"In the spiritual life, silence is never a goal in itself, it is only meant to give your thoughts good working conditions. By itself, silence does not bring much; it calms, relaxes, of course, but nothing more. The true function of silence is to allow our thoughts and imagination to take off. So, every time you have a chance to taste real moments of silence, either at home or in nature, try to create in your mind something pure, warm and luminous so that the ambience may vibrate around you, and that everyone who comes to visit you, or just goes by, may get an urge to do good. What use is it to stay there, motionless? Do not just sit there like a rock! You must always be alive and creative, even in a still and silent position."