The Meaning:
* "A good listener is not only popular everywhere..." This part is straightforward. Good listeners are often well-liked because people appreciate feeling heard and understood.
* "...but after a while he knows something mean." This is where the ambiguity lies. It suggests that good listeners, through their attentive nature, somehow acquire "mean" knowledge.
Possible Interpretations:
1. Hidden Truths: The "mean" knowledge could refer to the darker side of humanity. By listening to people's stories, the listener learns about their struggles, secrets, and potentially their negative intentions. This is a cynical view, suggesting that everyone has a "mean" side.
2. Understanding People's Motives: It could mean that good listeners become adept at understanding people's motivations and intentions. They can decipher the hidden agendas and manipulative tactics that people use, which might be considered "mean" in a way.
3. Empathy and Compassion: A more positive interpretation could be that good listeners develop a deep understanding of human emotions and vulnerabilities. This "mean" knowledge could refer to the ability to empathize with people's pain and struggles, even if they are unpleasant or difficult to handle.
4. Observation and Analysis: The statement could simply suggest that good listeners are also good observers. They pick up on subtle cues and patterns in behavior, and they can draw conclusions based on their observations. This "mean" knowledge could be a result of their analytical skills.
Overall:
The statement is open to interpretation. It could be a cynical observation about the nature of human interaction, a reflection on the power of active listening, or simply a statement about the importance of being observant.