Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers. (Pope Francis)
We are surrounded by voices, all clamoring for our attention. In addition to personal interaction (e.g. conversations, speeches, or sermons) there is input from radio, TV, the Internet, ad infinitum. As the Pope has said, we are inclined to listen to those voices, witnesses of everyday life and events more than to those who should be our best sources, our teachers.
Let the wise listen and add to their learning . . . Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still (Proverbs 1:5; 9:9). Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak (James 1:19).