As a nation, we do not tempt to show our feelings. We have all been taught at school that enthusiasm is a bad conduct. We prefer to hide our emotions. We are almost ashamed of them and are still more ashamed of anyone who exhibits them without restraint. It seems that reticence is a proof of power, and instinctively we admire it. We have even become a little suspicious of orators. The value of action is enhanced if it is not accompanied by words. Many great men of action were practically inarticulate/ unable to express.

Sentiments of adoration or anguish are not for the public ear. Exaggerated expression of feelings does not appeal to us. Hence, we assume the cloak and mask of indifference, lack of feeling, and lethargy. Underneath, you will find profound feelings, but they must be concealed. Moreover, we are silent people because we are temperamentally phlegmatic and realize the inadequacy of words in certain situations.

One can travel in a crowded railway-carriage, or go in a jammed/ packed tube lift without hearing a sound uttered. I doubt if this would be possible in any other country. Who had ever traveled in a railway-carriage abroad, and there was continued silence? It is not unfriendliness on our part or unsociability nor are we dull and stupid. It is partially shyness, partially diffidence, partially reluctance to go through the experience of intercourse with strangers, partially defective powers of expression, and perhaps partially laziness too.