Lois’s answer to “You have in the past mentioned that you often decide the theme of a book by asking yourself, what i…” > Likes and Comments
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@ Andie --
Great quote, and square on to my experience -- what book/source is it from?
L.
I can't recall where I ran across it - it was quite awhile ago. I did a quick look around on-line and the results are murky, with no page that I recognize as a reliable source giving information. I found a link that describes it as put together from Plato (be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle); and James M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan (be kinder than necessary). So it looks like, however I found my original attribution, it may not be correct. Still wise words to live by, though, I think. (The link I found is dmperkins dot com be kinder than necessary)
@Lois Sorry for the mixing up of terms. I'm a computer geek, not a writer. :)
I just looked at the sign off I've had on my other email for ages, and these quotes might fit our discussion too ... these ones are better attributed, though.
“All of us, at some time or other, need help …That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbours – in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver” - attributed to Mr. Rogers
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.
-Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
I was just rereading Civil Campaign, and was going to ask you a question about the butter bugs having in my head the misquote about worst thing. Glad you clarified, because makes much more sense. In fact, the introduction of the butter bugs was an incredibly effective way to shed light on all the Milesian characters. I thought Ekaterin's response to the bugs in particular was revealing and almost inspirational.
I'm glad to read this explanation, as I dislike the torture-one's-characters approach when presented as a general rule and didn't think it fit what I've seen (which is a great deal!) of your writing.
I'm ambivalent about this. On the one hand, I understand why a clarification is needed, but on the other hand, I believe that - for those who do understand what you meant - the original expression is much the more profound.
Perhaps the real rule is: "What is the most disruptive thing I can do to this person's status quo?"
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@ Andie --Great quote, and square on to my experience -- what book/source is it from?
L.
I can't recall where I ran across it - it was quite awhile ago. I did a quick look around on-line and the results are murky, with no page that I recognize as a reliable source giving information. I found a link that describes it as put together from Plato (be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle); and James M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan (be kinder than necessary). So it looks like, however I found my original attribution, it may not be correct. Still wise words to live by, though, I think. (The link I found is dmperkins dot com be kinder than necessary)
@Lois Sorry for the mixing up of terms. I'm a computer geek, not a writer. :)
I just looked at the sign off I've had on my other email for ages, and these quotes might fit our discussion too ... these ones are better attributed, though.“All of us, at some time or other, need help …That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbours – in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver” - attributed to Mr. Rogers
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.
-Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
I was just rereading Civil Campaign, and was going to ask you a question about the butter bugs having in my head the misquote about worst thing. Glad you clarified, because makes much more sense. In fact, the introduction of the butter bugs was an incredibly effective way to shed light on all the Milesian characters. I thought Ekaterin's response to the bugs in particular was revealing and almost inspirational.
I'm glad to read this explanation, as I dislike the torture-one's-characters approach when presented as a general rule and didn't think it fit what I've seen (which is a great deal!) of your writing.
I'm ambivalent about this. On the one hand, I understand why a clarification is needed, but on the other hand, I believe that - for those who do understand what you meant - the original expression is much the more profound.Perhaps the real rule is: "What is the most disruptive thing I can do to this person's status quo?"
At the same time, the pain/damage of these events CAN (not necessarily does) also build parts of our character that can be so important and valuable to who we are as people. Having at least one person around us who is a support can be so helpful here.
Another thing I find inspiring is how your characters handle their crises. The ones I gravitate towards find their way through, yes, with baggage, but with a heart that can still love. They also strive to be honest about what is happening, and their part in it.
I also find this in real-life heroes among my family and friends, occasionally people in the news, and in blog people that I follow (especially blogs of people who would have liked to have kids, but do not). It seems to me that unless you have lived it, it is hard to understand the impact these things *can* (not necessarily will) have - unemployment, breakup of a significant relationship, involuntary childlessness, death of a dearly beloved, finding a way through when you have a child with a significant struggle, etc - heck, even becoming a parent has challenges that can take you to the limit. Not everyone makes it through with their heart and integrity intact, but I think most of us want to.
I love this quote: “Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.” -T.H. Thompson and John Watson
Andie