"It is not every question that deserves an answer." - Publilius Syrus

Okay, I need to generate a long news article based on the quote "It is not every question that deserves an answer." The article should be at least 500 characters and doesn't need a title. Let me break this down.

First, I should understand the quote—Publilius Syrus is saying that not all questions are worth answering. So, the article should discuss the idea of discernment in communication, maybe in today's context with social media and information overload.

I should start by introducing the quote and its origin. Then, discuss how it's relevant now. Maybe talk about social media where people feel pressured to respond to everything, leading to unnecessary conflicts or misinformation.

Next, I can bring in expert opinions. Maybe a psychologist discussing the mental load of feeling like you have to answer every question. Then a tech expert on information overwhelm.

Examples would help—like political debates where answering every accusation might not be strategic, or personal relationships where some questions are best left unanswered.

I should also touch on the downside—when not answering could be avoidance. Balance is key. Conclude by tying it back to the wisdom of the quote and its modern applications.

Need to ensure the flow is logical: introduction, modern relevance, expert insights, examples, counterpoints, conclusion. Keep it engaging but informative. Watch the length—aim for over 500 characters, so probably a few paragraphs.

Let me make sure I don't repeat points and keep the language clear. Avoid jargon to keep it accessible. Double-check that I'm not veering off topic; the focus should stay on the value of selective response.

Okay, time to put it all together smoothly.
In an age where information flows ceaselessly and opinions are shared at the speed of a click, the ancient wisdom of Publilius Syrus—"It is not every question that deserves an answer"—resonates with striking relevance. The Roman philosopher’s assertion, penned over two millennia ago, challenges modern societal norms that often equate responsiveness with intelligence, engagement, or even moral duty. As debates rage across social media platforms, workplaces, and dinner tables, experts are increasingly advocating for the power of silence, selectivity, and strategic disengagement in communication.

The rise of digital discourse has created an environment where every query, critique, or provocation demands an immediate reply. Social media users face relentless pressure to address comments, defend viewpoints, or correct misconceptions, often at the cost of mental well-being. Dr. Elena Martinez, a psychologist specializing in digital behavior, notes, "The compulsion to respond to every challenge stems from a fear of being perceived as ignorant or indifferent. But not all questions are asked in good faith, and not all debates are worth your energy." Studies show that habitual engagement with hostile or trivial exchanges can lead to heightened stress and reduced critical thinking, as individuals prioritize reaction over reflection.

This phenomenon extends beyond personal interactions. In politics, leaders and public figures grapple with the dilemma of addressing every accusation or rumor. Political strategist Marcus Lee observes, "The 24-hour news cycle and viral misinformation have turned silence into a liability. Yet, dignifying baseless claims with answers can legitimize them." Former U.S. diplomat Susan Cole echoes this, recalling her career’s golden rule: "Sometimes, the strongest statement is a raised eyebrow, not a press release."

Even in personal relationships, Syrus’s maxim holds weight. Family therapist Dr. Rachel Nguyen emphasizes that not all questions—particularly those probing private matters or posed provocatively—require a response. "Boundaries are healthy. You don’t owe anyone an answer that compromises your comfort or values," she says. This principle is particularly vital in navigating toxic dynamics, where engagement can perpetuate conflict rather than resolve it.

Of course, discernment is key. Avoiding questions to evade accountability or shut down dialogue can be equally harmful. Legal scholar David Park warns, "Silence isn’t inherently virtuous. It depends on context—whether the question seeks truth, manipulates, or merely distracts." The challenge, then, lies in distinguishing curiosity from chaos, sincerity from spectacle.

As society grapples with information overload and polarization, Publilius Syrus’s insight offers a timeless lesson: wisdom lies not only in what we say but in what we choose not to say. In an era begging for clarity, perhaps the most profound response is sometimes none at all.