26 letters. That’s all there is in the English alphabet. Arrange them in different ways and you have at your disposal means to change the world. When Sir Winston Churchill rallied the nation during World War II, telling the people, “Do not let us speak of darker days: let us speak rather of sterner days. These are not dark days; these are great days - the greatest days our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable,”1 he used the same 26 letters. When Martin Luther King told the American people, “I have a dream today,”2 he did so by rearranging the 26 letters. The quotes we so dearly love and copy down for rainy days or those that we sign off emails and letters with, “I’ll see you soon then,”3 are all made from those same letters.
A bunch of plain letters linked together can have a worlds worth of meaning in them at one point and then they can be utterly meaningless, devoid of any emotion at another point. Or for someone else. – Rosaline
Words, that once people gave to each other as gifts, as inspiration or as binding contracts are now thrown around and kicked about like trash; uncared for and unwanted. Devoid. Empty. Shallow. Words. A person would once say, “I give thee my word,” and that would be all, for their words upheld their honour. Now people plead to one another for their words to be listened to, but they are heard only by deaf ears. Those that once would trust now build their walls higher and higher and those that talk the talk hand out the bricks.
Why can’t we just believe and be trusting? Everyone can talk the talk but it takes an honest, upright man or woman to be able to walk the walk. Say only that which you mean, and mean what you say.
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Title: What are words – Chris Medina
Photograph from personal photography, available here.
1 “Never give in” – Wartime speech by Sir Winston Churchill. Full transcript here.
2 “I have a dream” – Speech by Martin Luther King Jr. Full transcript here.
3 “I’ll see you soon then” – Quote from the film Dear John.
Posts
10 September 2012 at 21:45
You are right. It is a good warning for me. because sometimes I say that I'll do such a thing then it doesn't work, we just need to strive in the way of God. Lovely reminder. Thanks for sharing.
10 September 2012 at 22:15
Hey man. I loved the talk the talk and walk the walk phrase. It reminded me of a few conversations that we had. I missed your blog and finally have learnt how to make a comment on it again.
G
10 September 2012 at 23:18
@ Dana: You're most welcome.
10 September 2012 at 23:18
@ G: I got that one off you ;). Lol! Took you long enough!
11 September 2012 at 02:16
its very interesting how in some cultures, if a person thinks they have done something dishonorable, they would be so ashamed they would even kill themselves (seppuku). but often we don't even feel ashamed, interesting the difference (not advocating we kill ourselves, lol)
11 September 2012 at 05:36
"Your intentions dictate your actions."
Speak words that are softer than a hum. Leave an impact that is louder than an orchestra.
11 September 2012 at 16:48
Nobody really puts an honest thought in what they say today and maybe that is why words have lost their importance..
This post reminds me of the song "words" by Bee Gees. =]
15 September 2012 at 17:19
@ ymm: You're right! Some people honour in very high regard, so much so they'd sacrifice a lot for it.
15 September 2012 at 17:19
@ Anonymous: Beautiful quote! Very nicely said. Thank you for sharing.
15 September 2012 at 17:20
@ jnana: Thanks!
15 September 2012 at 17:21
@ The Ordinary Guy: That is true. I will check out the song.