I Recognize Superior Writers and Superior Writing When I See It
. . . And it’s not me.
“It’s your road and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.”
- Rumi (13th Century Persian poet)
I have been an avid reader since my first days reading children’s books composed of three word sentences strung together.
Actually, I fell in love with reading even before I could read for myself as my parents and siblings shared their love of the written word with me snuggled in the warm, comfortable settings of our living room.
I have read great works of literature. I have read trashy pulp fiction. I have read a little bit of everything in between.
Every now and then I have been struck by what is clearly a mark of inspirational genius coming from the pen or typewriter or computer keyboard of an inspired mind.
“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.”
- Chinese Proverb
In between all that I have absorbed more than my fair share of drivel, as well.
That love of reading made a natural progression into a desire for and a love of writing. Just as I started reading three word sentences, I started writing three word sentences. I remember a level of bored, patronizing tolerance every time I would shove my latest “family newspaper” under the noses of my siblings, asking them to review and critique my journalistic flair — I was roughly eight or nine years old at the time.
“Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”
- Cherokee Proverb
I never stopped reading and I never stopped writing.
I get a thrill every time I stumble across a phrase or a sentence that gives me a glimpse into the inner workings of a great mind. A thrill — and a twitch of envy.
You see, I have never written one of those phrases or sentences that would give the world pause and a chance to glimpse into the potential greatness of the human mind.
But I could — couldn’t I?
“Do not wait; the time will never be “just right.” Start where you stand.”
- Napoleon Hill
Maybe, someday, for one brief moment, my mind could string together enough coherent words, words dripping with meaning and passion and revelation. Words to spark a movement, grant permission for living life on one’s own terms, or inspire another beating heart longing for expression.
If “the pen is mightier than the sword,” (first written by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839), isn’t there some small glimmer of hope that I too might be able to piece together seven words that could stand the test of time? I, for one, have no other knowledge of the works of Mister Bulwer-Lytton beyond this singular sentence. Yet, I dare say, there is no one reading this right now who has not heard these words many times in their life.
Could I, too, one day join his ranks with a bit of deeper insight into the human condition?
I am continually inspired personally by the words of Friedrich Nietzsche that I carry with me in my heart on a daily basis:
“And those who were seen dancing were thought insane by those who could not hear the music.”
These words grant me permission to live my life with the understanding that not everyone watching me would ever know the motivation behind my life or my actions — and that’s okay.
Because . . .
“It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see.”
- Henry David Thoreau
Words and phrases put on paper by great minds across the centuries provide the nourishment I have needed to grow and thrive in this very brief lifetime.
If I could ever be the giver of such a gift to some future generation — even if it’s just one time for one person — I would consider my time on this planet well spent.
“If you hear a voice within you say “You cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”
(Vincent Van Gogh)
You may never know what resides within you until you give your inner voice free rein, without fear that it will not be good enough.
“Turn the page . . .”
(Bob Seger)
If you enjoyed reading this article, perhaps you would like to check out a few of my other thoughts on living a rich, full, vital life.