Meaning: The quote by Roger Sessions, a renowned American composer, sheds light on the essential nature of communication and the responsibilities it places on both the sender and the receiver. In this quote, Sessions emphasizes that effective communication is not a one-way process; rather, it requires active participation and effort from both parties involved. The act of receiving communication is not passive; it demands concentration and genuine effort from the recipient to fully grasp and comprehend the message being conveyed.

When examining the quote, it becomes evident that Sessions is highlighting the reciprocal nature of communication. While much emphasis is often placed on the skills of the communicator in effectively expressing their message, Sessions draws attention to the equally important role of the recipient in the communication process. He suggests that the act of receiving communication requires more than just passive reception; it requires an active engagement and commitment to understanding the message being conveyed.

Sessions' assertion that "vital and profound communication makes demands also on those who are to receive it" underscores the notion that effective communication is a collaborative effort. It challenges the common perception that communication is solely the responsibility of the sender, emphasizing that the receiver plays an equally crucial role. This resonates with the idea that effective communication is a two-sided process, where both parties contribute to the successful exchange of ideas, information, and emotions.

Moreover, Sessions' reference to the "demands in the sense of concentration, of genuine effort to receive what is being communicated" underscores the cognitive and emotional involvement required from the recipient. It implies that truly understanding and internalizing a message involves a conscious and deliberate effort to focus, process, and interpret the communicated content. This aligns with the idea that effective communication demands active listening, critical thinking, and empathetic understanding from the receiver.

In a broader context, Sessions' quote serves as a reminder of the responsibilities and challenges inherent in the act of communication. It highlights the importance of mindfulness and attentiveness in the process of receiving communication, emphasizing that genuine understanding and meaningful exchange require active participation from both parties involved.

From a practical standpoint, Sessions' insights have implications for various facets of communication, including interpersonal relationships, professional interactions, and public discourse. In personal relationships, the quote underscores the significance of being fully present and engaged when listening to others, acknowledging that genuine communication involves more than just hearing words but truly understanding and empathizing with the speaker's intentions and emotions. In professional settings, it underscores the importance of active and attentive listening in meetings, negotiations, and collaborations, recognizing that effective communication is a mutual responsibility that demands effort from both speakers and listeners. In the realm of public discourse, the quote prompts reflection on the role of the audience in receiving and critically evaluating information, underscoring the need for active engagement and discernment in processing communicated content.

In conclusion, Roger Sessions' quote encapsulates the idea that effective communication is a collaborative process that places demands on both the sender and the receiver. It emphasizes the active involvement and genuine effort required from the recipient in understanding and internalizing communicated messages. By acknowledging the reciprocal nature of communication and the responsibilities it entails for both parties, Sessions' quote serves as a poignant reminder of the essential role of attentive and engaged reception in the process of meaningful exchange.