Many seek self-improvement and many like to receive a daily quote of inspiration as an aid to this aim. But, why do we like these sound bites? And do we need them? The answer lies somewhere in between.
It has been shown in numerous studies that language is required in order for a person to formulate ideas, to make plans and to dream: the poorer the language, the poorer the intellect. We need words in order to express ourselves. Without knowing a word for something we cannot begin to properly think about it. Imagine not knowing the word for love. How could you begin to explain to yourself, let alone anyone else, what love was. Also, we can expand on the idea of love if our vocabulary encompasses other words such as; like, desire, need, want, care for, affection, kinship, attraction, cherish and so forth. Knowing the word love we know what it is; knowing other words, we can begin to describe what it is and the many subtle forms of love. The more words you know, the more deeply you can think about a subject.
However, knowing words and their meaning isnt enough. We also need to know how to use them. In fact, this can pose a great challenge; to express exactly how we feel, what we know, what we desire, by stringing a few words together in such a way that we express the very essence of what we mean. Very few of us feel confident in expressing our own ideas because of our lack of skill in using words. It is this reason we admire writers for they, more than others, reflect mans true inner self. Nearly everyone, knowingly or not, has remembered at least one line of prose or verse from a writer, poet or songwriter. We remember these lines and hold them dearly.
So, when we are searching for self-improvement we can often turn to lines that have been given to us by writers. We turn to them to express a truth about our self, to understand something of our world. Famous quotes by some of the Worlds great writers can perfectly encapsulate a thought we have, an emotion were feeling or a truth we hold dear. Its not that we find the answer in a quote but our thoughts and convictions are bolstered by the words. They give us comfort and strength.
Some people can formulate ideas and express them precisely and concisely. And perhaps it is true that they dont need quotes from others who have gone before them. But they are few and far between. Most of us lack the skill. So, if you are addicted to your inspirational quote of the day, then dont let anyone tell you that it is a fatuous habit. Nearly all great writers have used or have been inspired by quotes of other writers.
Ill leave you with one of my favourite quotes:
There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~Anas Nin |
