What is bad for the hive cannot be good for the bee.
That which is not good for the bee-hive, cannot be good for the bee.
When someone talks to you, listen so closely that you don't let other thoughts creep in. Try to connect completely with their soul, whoever they are.
Use thyself when any man speaks unto thee, so to hearken unto him, as that in the interim thou give not way to any other thoughts; that so thou mayst (as far as is possible) seem fixed and fastened to his very soul, whosoever he be that speaks unto thee.