His ear heard more than was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought. His hands, large and lean, were as delicate in their action as those of a temple dancer.
– John Steinbeck
Of Mice and Men, Chapter 2. Describing Slim, the most respected man on the ranch. He listened carefully to people and understood. A man of deep wisdom, he is able to look beyond the obvious, probes deeply into a situation and is an excellent judge of people. Not surprising then that the men look up to him and depend on him for support and guidence.