The quote “The author must keep his mouth shut when his work starts to speak” by Friedrich Nietzsche suggests that once an author has created and published their work, they should step back and allow the work to communicate directly with the audience. The work should be able to stand on its own and convey its message without the need for additional explanation or commentary from the author.

The quote implies that the true power and impact of a piece of work, whether it’s a book, a painting, a movie or any other form of creative expression, lies in its ability to evoke thoughts, feelings, and interpretations in the minds of the audience. If the author intervenes and explains what they intended, it might limit the audience’s imagination and their personal connection with the work.

This idea can be applied in today’s world in many ways. In the realm of arts and entertainment, for instance, creators should strive to produce work that can resonate with the audience and spark discussions and debates, without the need for them to provide explanations or defend their intentions.

In the context of personal development, this quote could be interpreted as a call to let your actions speak for themselves. Instead of constantly explaining or justifying your actions, let them stand on their own. If they are meaningful and impactful, they will communicate your intentions and character more effectively than words ever could.

Moreover, it could also encourage us to practice humility and restraint. Often, we may feel the urge to explain or defend our work, especially when it’s met with criticism or misunderstanding. However, by stepping back and allowing our work to ‘speak’, we give others the space to engage with it, interpret it in their own way, and perhaps even learn something from it. This can lead to personal growth, as it allows us to accept that we cannot control how others perceive our work, and that’s okay.