Many of you are aware of my request regarding comments – I welcome your Comments…yours please…not some borrowed quote.
Some people are fond of quoting some dead fellow as if that is the final word on the subject.
This is a little presumptuous, I reckon.
First, it assumes that others are ignorant of that dead fellow’s writing. Second, perhaps it is to impress others of how well read one is – if that is the intent – Hmmm. Third, the implication is, dead fellows are always right. Think flat world theory; bleeding a patient to cure him; earth, the centre of the universe; and many more fallacies that held sway until debunked.
Even now, there are many ‘flat world’ theories passed off as facts – all the more when spewed by some lettered luminary from a brand name institution.
This is not to say every dead guy was wrong – far from it. Most of them are right. But only one thing is sure about ALL dead guys – they are dead!
I prefer to hear your voices, your thoughts.
What do you think?
************ Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2013 ************
Very true, Eric. Presenting the opinion of others–whether dead or alive–on a topic isn’t helpful at all. Our views are unique; as a matter of fact, they are part of the things that show we are humans who can think and talk.
Yes, my friend.
God has given us many faculties including the ability to discern – but as everything else, it takes effort. Quite often, some wise acre will spew something. When you challenge, it soon transpires that their bucket is dry.
We are humans, not parrots.
But each to his/her own, heh? It merely reflects on one’s maturity, life experiences and lessons learnt.
Peace and blessings for the week ahead,
Eric
Eric, you’ve asked for comments so I’ve decided to give my honest, heartfelt response.
I think it presumptuous to make judgements about why some may quote another. I prefer to use my own words, but I’d never be so bold as to tell others how to comment on my blog. Some may like what you’ve writen, but struggle to find words of their own. There could be many reasons.
Personally I’m grateful people take the time to read, let alone comment on my blog.
Sincerely
Tricia Bertram
Tricia,
Thank you for sharing your opinion. Like you, I made no judgement but expressed my opinion (in my blog).
You’re right. There could be many reasons why people quote another – including the three I pointed out.
I too treasure my visitors and commenters – and prefer to hear their thoughts and voices.
Peace,
Eric
whilst I enjoy reading ‘dead peoples’ thoughts on stuff, Eric, I get tired of having their quotes thrown about willy nilly. in fact, if I come across a blog where quotes are interjected every few words I just skim. ‘cos I want the blog authors thoughts on a subject, not ‘borrowed’ ideas xPenx
I do read ‘dead peoples’ books and thoughts. I even enjoy the occassional quote but not when a person throws quotes about relentlessly. Some time ago, I had a visitor/commenter in my blog who referred to himself as a ‘mystic’ and could not string a single comment without quoting some dead guy. He became a bore. I steer clear of such people and blogs.
Yes, I too want to get to know the person – as much as these blogs allow.
People have so much richness to share —
Peace and blessings,
Eric
well said, my friend. Personally I think we read , learn, recognize , grow and create so eventually we will outgrow the quotes created before us.
Have a great day!
Francina 🙂
Very true, Francina,
Some quotes are timeless – but not all, I reckon.
Have a great day too,
Eric 🙂
Well said, just because someone said something and it was published doesn’t make it gospel. Happy Monday, Eric.
Hello Susan,
I’ve met some who simply spew some quote and wait smugly with folded arms. Upon delving, I realise there’s nothing more in there.
I wish to communicate with humans – not parrots.
Have a great week ahead,
Eric
Well said, Eric… Who can better speak out one’s own thoughts than one’s own self! That’s why I chose to be a poet–
to create my own thoughts into words for others to ponder, dwell on and relish, and I own credit and responsibility for every word I write.
Have a blessed day!
You said it all, Cynthia – your thoughts, your words, your credit and your responbility. Bare and brave – not hiding behind another’s words.
All good blessings to you too,
Eric
Eric – I appreciate this gentle reminder that this forum is to allow us to interact with one another directly. The quotes and platitudes, as mentioned before, dont allow the insight into the personal thought processes and motivations of why people are in this forum or why particular pieces inspire them to comment at all. I find your posts and comments gentle and personal . Thank you.
Hello Nancy,
Welcome back 🙂
You said it so beautifully and with much nicer words, tone and reasoning. Yes, very true – what better means to build bridges than sharing our thoughts through words.
You are kind and gentle too,
Eric
To quote Mark Twain… No, wait, can’t do that…..Well, as Shakespeare puts it…. Wait…
As Eric Alagan once said…..
LOL Bumba – I think this is the best comment yet – and I mean it. Why? You gave me such a good laugh, my friend 🙂
You know what Woody Allen said about laughing? He said…Ooops
You did it again 😆
I’m gonna introduce you to the Brothers Grinn – you guys will get along famously.
Wait a minute – the way that pair picks on me – that’s no good for me 🙁
OK. Now I’m interested.
I hope Yogi Bara never dies because his wisdom is timeless. “Nobody goes there because everybody is already there…” or “If the world was perfect, it wouldn’t be…” and my favorite “Grease don’t taste good, taste tastes good.”
Why do we have to be so serious when we use a quote? “Cant we all just get along?” Modern day philosopher Rodney King.
Love the haiku by the way.
Your comment is revealing. Thank you.
Thank you also, for loving the haiku.
It is probably revealing because of the Ambien I took an hour ago. Is it me or is the computer spinning? Ha ha.
I do love the haiku. I totally agree that is seductive to regurgitate the wisdom of yesterday. Probably because it is much easier to take an Ambien and cut/paste some quotes than it is create something witty and profound on our own.
With your haiku, you have proven yourself worthy.
Eric, You will find the following on The Pen’s Might soon, though I’m not speaking of straight quotes from dead people but rather my found verbiage projects. Though the following is not fiound verbiage, except that which is my head.
What a clever fool
Using other people’s words
To find his own truth
PBH
LOL – I love that haiku, PBH 🙂
I think it says much about some people.
Peace,
Eric
Hi! New knowledge should always be welcomed. Sometimes ignorant like me who can’t write even one sentence straight borrow quotes sometimes laziness also makes one borrow. Your words inspired me and I have written my own quote in my post this time. Thanks.
Yes, Indira, I saw your quote and reproduce it here > “By loving someone you find something very sweet , better than other sweets , in yourself.- Indira”
How very truly, you’ve spoken.
Ignore the syntax and the semantics – it’s more important what you say, not how, I say 🙂
Thanks Eric. My problem is my poor English, everytime you write something and I have to run for the dictionary. Now going to see whatis the syntax and the semantics.
You certainly keep us all thinking. Your work is intriguing and keeps me trying to think outside the square and make my work improve all the time
Hello, Barb,
And thank you for these kind words. “Improvement” as you refer to it – never ceases, I reckon.
Looking back, I see how far I’d come – looking forward, I know how little I’ve travelled.
Peace and blessings,
Eric
Eric, my lad, thou keepest us on our toes: yea indeed!
I agree that even when we imagine ourselves to be original most of todays’ wisdom is built on the foundation of our forefathers even when our forefathers gave us erroneous information.
I also agree 100% that what I look for in your provocative blog postings and erudite ensuing blog dialogue is stimulating new thought or angles which knock me off my pedestal rather than referring me back to something which I already knew or could research on Wikipedia.
I don’t find these two thoughts mutually exclusive. They complement each other don’t you think?
Cheerio, Jane
Jane, my dear
Of course, we build on rubble as surely as we build on virgin sub-divisions. In a sense, the former on lessons learnt, the latter explores new frontiers. Building the human collective is never mutually exclusive but always complementary, I agree.
The macho challenges on reality television test one’s physical limits – lifting the most, running the fastest or shooting the straightest. I prefer challenges that further one’s mental potential – for these are limitless, I reckon.
Hence, some of my posts provoke the mentally fleet-footed and robust. These draw out worthy champions, great comrades and inspiring teachers.
What great sports, what great entertainment and what great lessons – I learn – from all my commenters.
Peace,
Eric
I will quote the dead when I need to stand on the shoulders of giants and then create my own one liners for others to quote 😛
That’s a good one – standing on the shoulders of giants. Nothing wrong with that, I agree.
Here’s my one liner (hope it qualifies): Mistake not elongated shadows, for the true stature of men.
Peace,
Eric
I feel the same way about the endless, oft repeated platitudes posted on Facebook. It’s so prevalent the dead may just come back. Good point/request to your post.
Facebook – LOL, that is a time stealer.
You’re so right about the dead coming to life. One has only to surf channels and witness the plethora of zombie-movies and documentaries. Now, that’s creativity for you 🙂
I like your name, Eric
All good wishes,
Eric 🙂
I think that if one is unable to generate their own wisdom, then they have obviously acquired none of their own and therefore should ruminate more on how their own experience is valuable within the context of the given subject before offering any words thereupon.
I tend to agree and hold my peace when I don’t have anything worthwhile to add. But all it takes is some reflective time and one sees the threads of life experiences spinning a tale of (hopefully) wisdom – if not for the consumption of others, certainly for one’s own growth.
All peace and blessings,
Eric
Quoting the dead gives them life…isn’t that why we write to live each time it is read?
We each have our reasons for writing and in my blog, I encourage all to give life to their own thoughts and words.
I like that…very nicely said!
True. New thoughts and ideas to be encouraged..not just a rehash of the well-known old words
You are right, Padmini – we all need to add to the human collective, no matter how minute our contribution.
That was actually a theme of my last book – including quotes that wise dead people may have said, but didn’t. Well who’s to say what they said, all that matters is who said it. Also included stats on what the world looked like in Henry Ford’s time, apparently the last authority on leadership.
Henry Ford, the last authority on leadership – interesting.
Yes Eric – I always liked this about your site. We sometimes hide behind these catchy phrases but never think out our own positions.
I do think we sell ourselves long if we think we are so much more advanced. Our culture relies very little on deep introspective thought, possibly because of all the interruptions of modern life, and some of the ancients delved deeply inward.
Hello Bill,
Mental sloth is all prevalent, I reckon. When we abdicate thought to others, we invite subjugation as witnessed in many human institutions. It is one thing to shout ‘freedom’ but another to embrace it – choices, responsibilities and all. This does not mean we ignore past wisdom – but we need to add and not merely draw from the well.
All good wishes,
Eric