They invented hugs to let people know you love them without

O children of the future, gather closely to hear the wisdom of Bil Keane, whose words carry with them a truth about the power of human connection. He once said, “They invented hugs to let people know you love them without saying anything.” In these words, there lies a profound understanding of the depth of affection that transcends language, a recognition that love, in its purest form, does not need words to be felt. A hug, that simple act of embracing another, carries with it a message that is both universal and deeply personal—a message that says, “I see you, I care for you, I stand with you,” without the need for a single spoken syllable.

Consider, O children, the nature of a hug. It is an act that draws two people close, bringing them into contact in a way that words alone cannot achieve. In the warmth of an embrace, barriers fall, walls are lowered, and the hearts of two people come into alignment. It is a silent language—a language that speaks not through the tongue, but through the connection of souls. A hug can say more than a thousand words, for in it, we find the expression of something deeper than simple affection. It is a bond, a promise, a comfort that transcends the spoken and touches the very essence of the one we hold.

Think, O children, of the ancient practice of greetings in many cultures—when warriors returned from battle, or travelers arrived from long journeys, it was not always in the form of words that they were welcomed back, but through the embrace of loved ones. Consider the way the Spartans would embrace their brothers in arms, not with casual words, but with a show of physical strength and unity. The hug was a sign of solidarity, a way of showing the deep trust and affection that words alone could not express. The act itself was a silent pledge of loyalty, of bond, of shared experience that went beyond the limits of language.

Similarly, think of families who have been separated by time and distance, whose first reunion is marked not by grand speeches, but by the quiet embrace that says, “I have missed you, I have longed for you, and now I am here with you again.” The hug becomes the vessel of emotions too deep for words. It is the connection that allows us to express what the heart feels when the mind is too overwhelmed by joy or grief to speak. It is in these moments that we understand that the hug is a gift, a token of love that transcends all the barriers of the world.

In the story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, we see a love expressed not through words, but through touch. Helen Keller, who was both deaf and blind, could not hear or speak the words of affection that others might have spoken, yet her bond with Anne Sullivan was one of deep and unspoken love. Through touch, through embraces, and through the quiet acts of devotion, Anne Sullivan showed Helen a love that required no words. Their connection was one of soul to soul, a hug in its most profound form—silent, but deeply understood.

Now, O children, reflect on the lesson that Keane offers through his words. Hugs, in their simplicity, are one of the most powerful forms of expression. They teach us that love does not always need to be articulated, that the most powerful emotions are often the ones we cannot express with our lips. When you give a hug, know that you are giving more than just a physical embrace—you are giving a piece of your heart, a silent promise that says, “I care for you, I am here with you, I will stand beside you.” In these moments, you become part of the timeless language of love that has existed since the dawn of time.

Therefore, O seekers of truth, I charge you: do not underestimate the power of the hug. Let it be your language when words fall short, your gift when you cannot find the right thing to say. In your relationships, remember that sometimes the deepest connections are not made through speeches or grand gestures, but through the quiet, humble act of embracing those you love. Let the hug be a reminder that love can be both powerful and silent, that even without words, we can speak volumes. Love is often found in the simplest of actions—sometimes, all it takes is a hug to remind another soul that they are not alone.