Winning Words 3/25/09
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” (Plutarch) This famous Roman historian (of Greek heritage) lived about 2000 years ago. He had an influence on Emerson and the transcendentalists. Maybe I’m strange, but when I read the quote, I kept thinking of the song, Light My Fire, by The Doors. Sometimes there are days when we need someone to light our fire. Maybe today’s WWs can be a spark. Is there someone who has kindled your mind? I can think of several. ;-) Jack

FROM (GOOD DEBT) SONGWRITER JON: You know that it would be untrue You know that I would be a liar If I was to say to you Girl, we couldn't get much higher
The time to hesitate is through No time to wallow in the mire Try now we can only lose
Gotta love those rock guys, aside from “come on baby light my fire” that is the whole song.
Still a great classic. The only higher paid writing per word than this song may be ransom notes….
FROM JACK: In this instance, I took the words out of context, simply because them fit the point I was trying to make....and I knew that readers would relate to them (forgetting the rest of the song). Except you!

FROM PR J.S. IN MI: Richard John Neuhaus was always an inspiration for me. He had a real knack for seeing through the garbage and telling it like it was. He wasn't always liked for that quality but I think it is something we desperately need....-----

FROM J.H. IN OHIO: love it... as you may have guessed. Maybe I'll use PARTS of this song to open my next motivation talk (coming up in April).

FROM MY SON: Were you trying to be clever when you said “Maybe I’m strange, but when I read the quote, I kept thinking of the song, Light My Fire, by The Doors” ??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awi14wDTxNw FROM SONGWRITER JON: Yeah, I forgot about When You’re Strange. But it seems to suit you…

FROM M.L. IN ILL: more teachers should read this and believe in the philosophy. as far as someone who lights my fire, (besides jim morrison), well...hmm...you.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: And have you noted the number of people who are trying to "bank your fire" with all the socialism? FROM JACK: I believe that those who "have" should have compassion on the "have-nots." If they want to call it, socialism, that's OK with me.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: Maybe WW's does just that...

FROM A.M. IN MI: I always recal Jose Feliciano, the blind musician, singing Light My Fire. We pray that the Holy Spirit enkindle within us the fire of His Divine love. My husband and I invoke this prayer each night for our indidual family members, friends, political leaders, pastoral leaders and those serving in the military. We ask for wisdom. It makes more sense than spending our time trying to figure out the stimulus package.

FROM SNOWBIRD F.M.: Like you, there are several persons, including you with some of your 'winning words'. Keep up this valuable ministry of yours.

FROM J.C. IN HONG KONG: I remember my freshman year at Ann Arbor in 1970, my roomate Greg played electric piano while I had my electric guitar, and we would play the long version of Light My Fire.
I didnt know you were a Jim Morrison fan, too.

FROM P.H. IN MINNESOTA: i think the Doors were talking about a fire that was a bit more sexual in nature but we still got the message. FROM JACK: As most of of us are prone to do, I chose to take this phrase out of context, because it fit the point I was trying to make.

FROM CHARLES DICKENS: What is the odds so long as the fire of soul is kindled...