Samuel Johnson's words about those who say nothing

Writer, poet, lexicographer, Englishman Samuel Johnson once quipped that it is often misunderstood that when someone says nothing they are taken to be wise.

Johnson, who was born in Staffordshire in 1709, said and wrote many wise words. But this sentiment shouts out so loudly and especially in the Roman Catholic Church.

People, who say little, are so often advanced to jobs which are utterly beyond their competency.

It is a frightening phenomenon that happens far too regularly. Maybe it is one of the reasons why the church is in the place it is today.

It would be interesting to know what Johnson would say of that well-worn phrase 'a safe pair of hands'.

An organisation run by so many incompetent people right across its structure.

Johnson goes on to say that the person who says nothing might well have found the best means possible of protecting themselves from being discovered for knowing so little.