Jeannie, your essay beautifully captures the dual nature of writing as both a window and a mirror. It's a powerful reminder that words have the ability to not only transport us to different worlds and perspectives but also to illuminate our own hearts and minds. Your exploration of the impact of stories on empathy and connection deeply resonated with me. In a world that often feels fragmented and divided, the ability of stories to bridge those gaps and foster understanding is more important than ever.
Alex, it's refreshing to know that you and I are on the same wavelength with this. In this increasingly hostile and divisive culture, I feel more and more compelled to act as a liaison, a mentor, a mediator, a peacemaker. I truly believe we are capable, as a people, of coming back together respectfully and thoughtfully, listening with the heart, and finding healing in those communities and conversations. Thank you for your comment. It fuels me to continue this work, knowing there are others like you who are doing the same.
I agree that there is so much hatred and divisiveness in our culture. It saddens me to a wide degree. I read a saying once saying something to the effect that the problem with our society is that we listen to our politicians and not our poets. I think I agree.
Beth, I found out the quote you are referring to is from Jonas Mekas, a Lithuanian artist, and this is the exact message: "In the very end, civilizations perish because they listen to their politicians and not to their poets."
I LOVE this article. Such good points throughout, and the idea that writing acts as both window and mirror is spot on. I hadn't thought of it quite like that before.
I am also one who prefers to read physical books. I spend so much of my day sitting at my keyboard in front of a screen writing away, scrolling on my phone, and yes, watching a bit too much Netflix, so stepping away with a physical book is a much needed escape from all that. I'm not sure physical books will disappear one day. I sure hope not.
No matter what happens, stories will always connect us and help us be more empathetic. That is the gift of words, no matter how we read (or say) them.
Hi Jeannie, this is an excellent, insightful article on the metaphor of writing as both a mirror and a window. Your example of each one further illustrates your point. I had never thought of writing this way, but you are correct in this perception. Good writing has the power to transport us in various ways, including self-discovery and the understanding of others' perspectives. Writing is so important in our lives.
I also prefer to read paper books, and I don't think everything is going to be electronic. I see more and more paper books being in demand, along with their electronic counterparts. I think that cellphones can take away from people's wanting to read books hard copy, but at the same time, apps make it easier to access readings.
Great article!
(By the way, I emailed you; I totally want in on the virtual book club!)
You are 100% correct. Great novels do this as much as memoir, creative nonfiction and poetry. The window and mirror metaphors are precise in communicating the reasons why we read and write.
I don't want to be tacky by linking to one of my own essays, yet, coincidently, I wrote something today that reflects your point. It's about I've benefited from Joan Didion's essays "On Self-Respect" and "Morality" in understanding my own life and family members. So, here I am being tacky. I hope it speaks to you. Have a lovely weekend.
Martina, I read your essay, and you make such fantastic points. I agree about your philosophy of caring for the dead, and I love Joan Didion's work, as well. This quote from your essay was profound, and I thought it was the main idea you were trying to convey: "Often a private shame drives a public moral position." What a great one-liner. Thanks for sharing!
Jeannie, your essay beautifully captures the dual nature of writing as both a window and a mirror. It's a powerful reminder that words have the ability to not only transport us to different worlds and perspectives but also to illuminate our own hearts and minds. Your exploration of the impact of stories on empathy and connection deeply resonated with me. In a world that often feels fragmented and divided, the ability of stories to bridge those gaps and foster understanding is more important than ever.
Alex, it's refreshing to know that you and I are on the same wavelength with this. In this increasingly hostile and divisive culture, I feel more and more compelled to act as a liaison, a mentor, a mediator, a peacemaker. I truly believe we are capable, as a people, of coming back together respectfully and thoughtfully, listening with the heart, and finding healing in those communities and conversations. Thank you for your comment. It fuels me to continue this work, knowing there are others like you who are doing the same.
I agree that there is so much hatred and divisiveness in our culture. It saddens me to a wide degree. I read a saying once saying something to the effect that the problem with our society is that we listen to our politicians and not our poets. I think I agree.
Beth, I found out the quote you are referring to is from Jonas Mekas, a Lithuanian artist, and this is the exact message: "In the very end, civilizations perish because they listen to their politicians and not to their poets."
Yes, that's it! Thank you for finding it.
You’re welcome!
I will remember that, Beth: we listen more to our politicians than our poets. YES.
Hi Jeannie,
I LOVE this article. Such good points throughout, and the idea that writing acts as both window and mirror is spot on. I hadn't thought of it quite like that before.
I am also one who prefers to read physical books. I spend so much of my day sitting at my keyboard in front of a screen writing away, scrolling on my phone, and yes, watching a bit too much Netflix, so stepping away with a physical book is a much needed escape from all that. I'm not sure physical books will disappear one day. I sure hope not.
No matter what happens, stories will always connect us and help us be more empathetic. That is the gift of words, no matter how we read (or say) them.
Thank you, Nancy. I'm glad you believe in the permanence of physical books, too, and in their power to transform our lives!
Hi Jeannie, this is an excellent, insightful article on the metaphor of writing as both a mirror and a window. Your example of each one further illustrates your point. I had never thought of writing this way, but you are correct in this perception. Good writing has the power to transport us in various ways, including self-discovery and the understanding of others' perspectives. Writing is so important in our lives.
I also prefer to read paper books, and I don't think everything is going to be electronic. I see more and more paper books being in demand, along with their electronic counterparts. I think that cellphones can take away from people's wanting to read books hard copy, but at the same time, apps make it easier to access readings.
Great article!
(By the way, I emailed you; I totally want in on the virtual book club!)
Awesome, I'm so excited to be able to see and interact with you at the virtual book club Beth! Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments, always.
You are 100% correct. Great novels do this as much as memoir, creative nonfiction and poetry. The window and mirror metaphors are precise in communicating the reasons why we read and write.
I don't want to be tacky by linking to one of my own essays, yet, coincidently, I wrote something today that reflects your point. It's about I've benefited from Joan Didion's essays "On Self-Respect" and "Morality" in understanding my own life and family members. So, here I am being tacky. I hope it speaks to you. Have a lovely weekend.
https://substack.com/home/post/p-151030398?source=queue&autoPlay=false
Martina, I read your essay, and you make such fantastic points. I agree about your philosophy of caring for the dead, and I love Joan Didion's work, as well. This quote from your essay was profound, and I thought it was the main idea you were trying to convey: "Often a private shame drives a public moral position." What a great one-liner. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading. Shane is a big part of it.
I've kept your comment so that I can take some time to read your post, Martina. Thanks for being here and sharing this!