Silence is wisdom?

There are times when you really realise the gulf between the society that was and the society we live in. Ah, no, no, no! I am not about to wax eloquent on what AI is going to do to us. (I couldn't even if I wanted to, considering how little I know about AI? So?) THAT's for another day and for other generations (Z, AA, AB, whatever). Me, I'm still stuck on what social media has done to society.

AND how Tiru has become dated merely because he lived in times when Social media did not exist. Take this for example...

Kallaadhavarum naninallar katraarmun sollaa dhirukkap perin - Tirukkural

Even the ignorant can appear worthy if they keep silent in the presence of the wise - Loose Translation

Well, first of all, we live in times when we do not entertain such elitist ideas as being 'wise'. I mean, what is more elitist than knowing more than others? AND, for Heaven's sake, I am not allowed to share my opinions, loud and clear, merely because the other guy knows the subject and I don't? THAT is precisely the sort of thing that we are fighting against. What about Freedom of Expression, then?

AND what is this 'in the presence of the wise'? I mean, it all depends on which echo chamber you are in, right? You can always find an echo chamber where YOU count as the 'wise', even if you are vehemently propounding the flat earth theory, no? AND, to keep silent on the frivolous grounds of being ignorant will ensure that you never find the right echo chamber and, thus, can never be considered wise. What rubbish.

But, maybe, Tiru's advice has a limited application. In the organisation where you are working, for example, you are not always free to find your own echo chamber. After all, it is your boss/peers who you have to impress and, alas, they are not always cooperative in fitting into your echo chamber. That still does not translate to the company of the 'wise' necessarily. How many of you consider your boss and your peers wise?

True, Tiru probably was well in advance of the chap who said, "It is best to keep your mouth shut and be taken for a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.' THAT chap, too, did not account for Social Media, did he?