“When ideas fail, words come in very handy.” (Goethe) Words, words, words. We hear so many of them. I’m looking for some thoughtful ideas on a variety of subjects. It appears as though Wolfgang was looking for the same thing. ;-) Jack
FROM R.I. IN BOSTON: One of Goethe's countrymen later took heed of that quote. Adolf Hitler had some failed ideas, but he used words handily to sway an entire nation. FROM JACK: Yes, words can lead to evil, and so can certain ideas. Our task....to be able to judge right from wrong.
FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Spot on commentary for our times. FROM JACK: I try to be relavent.
FROM R.P. IN FLORIDA: Wolfgang must have known we would have a plethora of political figures with no ideas worth their salt at this time in our history. FROM JACK: There you go again!
FROM EMT SINGS IN MICHIGAN: Speaking of words. I am still pondering eleemosynary!
FROM MOLINER C.F.: Words are only one way of expressing one's self. Actions speak louder. Not new, but so true.
FROM D.S. IN SAN DIEGO: sounds like straight out of Washington DC. FROM JACK: ...or from Rush.
FROM MOLINER J.T.: A difficult subject !!
FROM A.M. IN MICHIGAN: That reminds me of George Bernard Shaw who said I would have written you a shorter letter but I didn't have time.
FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: We're hearing a lot of words lately and not a lot of relevance and sometimes, not a lot of truth. It's hard to tell the difference! FROM JACK: Truth is what you think it to be.
FROM CJL IN OHIO: How do you express ideas except with words? FROM JACK: I like these words by Edgar A. Guest who used to write a daily poem for The Detroit Free Press.
I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.
One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.
I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.
One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to every one is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.
1 comment:
Actually, if a person doesn't have any ideas, I'd druther they'd say some words than be quiet about it all. My opinion anyway. 2 cents.
S.H. in MI
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