The Power of Words Within Small Drops of Ink

I have often been asked what my favorite quotes are.  I have so many favorites that it is difficult to choose only a few.  I believe my choice at any particular moment may depend on my frame of mind or mood.  I may be looking for wisdom, inspiration, motivation, or comfort.  Then again, there may be times when I read something that hits me at a deep level, words that resonate within me, touch me deeply, or even move me to tears.

I would say that this Lord Byron quote would be near the top of my list, as it really says it all about the power of the written word.  It was for that reason that I chose a part of his quote for my non-fiction book title, A Small Drop of Ink. The words of Lord Byron, penned many years ago:

                                                           

“Words are things; and a small drop of ink,

Falling like dew upon a thought, produces

That which makes thousands, perhaps millions think.”

The goal of the creative process is to move thoughts toward things so they can be experienced and shared by others.  Thoughts become things when expressed. Words can produce vivid mental images.  This quote does that for me.  I see that small drop of black ink falling down upon a thought, and the ink allowing the words to be indelibly stamped into the mind of millions to experience.  Some of the most enjoyable quotations are metaphors, literally a figure of speech in which a word or phrase that is ordinarily and primarily used to describe one thing or event is used to describe another.  The metaphor provides color, harmonies, musical notes, symphonic results, and that allows for you to feel the words as they cascade through you.  A way to emphasize that feeling is to read aloud.  In doing so, the words magically move from a somewhat static form to one that comes alive with the help of vocal expression.  

One can’t help but wonder if English poet Lord George Gordon Byron (1788-1824) had any idea of the impact of his quote on future generations.  Obviously, as a successful poet he probably had a good idea that his works would be enjoyed by future generations.  What I find so interesting about a collection of famous quotes that spans centuries is that the quotes are often as illuminating in today’s modern world as they may have been when written or spoken. 

Another quotation that is a personal favorite is this by Albert Einstein:

"There are only two ways to live your life.

One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as if everything is."

I choose to believe that everything is a miracle.  I hope you do, too.  It is also my hope that you find my collection a treasure and that you keep it beside your favorite chair or bedside and read it when you desire pearls of wisdom on such things as life, success, beauty, creativity and love.  You can find it at Amazon.com, both in Print and Kindle. 

~Linda