The poem "Keeping Quiet" by Pablo Neruda advocates for a moment of silence and stillness among humanity. In this period of quiet, the fishermen would not harm whales, salt gatherers could rest their injured hands, and those preparing for war would put aside their weapons. This exotic moment without noise from engines would bring people together in strange new unity. The poet believes such silence could help humanity understand itself better and overcome sadness, and suggests we listen to what the quiet earth may teach us when all seems dead but later proves to be alive.