Friday, June 05, 2009

Freedom From the Effects
Of Communal Persuasion

'The Buddhist scripture tells us, 'look within; thou art the Buddha.' The Christian tradition says, 'the kingdom of heaven is within you.' The only thing we really need, to get in touch with the mystery, is ourselves. For the writer, this type of profound self-reliance and self-trust are indispensible. But we can only achieve them when we are away from the opinion of friends, teachers and editors, the manipulation of advertising and shop windows, the influence of conversational wisdom. The only way we can get away from those things is through solitude. Freedom from the effects of communal persuasion is only found when we remove ourselves from community. But even when we are alone, the attitudes and expectations of others shadow us. It takes work to shed the years of relying on other people to validate us.'
--from Writing as a Sacred Path--A Practical Guide to Writing With Passion and Purpose.

9 Comments:

At 9:45 AM, Anonymous MilesB said...

I like this, John. There's a lot of truth in this quote, with its echoes of Emerson's self-reliance.

 
At 9:58 AM, Blogger John Ettorre said...

That's precisely how it hit me, Miles (many roads seem to converge at Emerson). Plus, it's got that nice ecumenical touch, finding commonality in seemingly disparate faith traditions. Thanks as always for joining the conversation, my friend. How goes your scribbling?

 
At 10:22 AM, Anonymous MilesB said...

The sribbling feels like its at a crossroads, not really sure what to do next.

Either way, we should break bread some time soon. It's been a while, you know.

 
At 10:33 AM, Blogger John Ettorre said...

As you know, eating is one of my favorite pastimes. Just ask my waistline. But perhaps we should do something at the cocktail hour, to raise a glass in memory of our favorite (now erstwhile) magazines...

 
At 11:29 AM, Anonymous MilesB said...

A great idea.

 
At 11:30 AM, Blogger John Ettorre said...

I'll be in touch to schedule it, Miles. Meanwhile, enjoy your weekend, amigo.

 
At 1:36 PM, Anonymous MilesB said...

OK John. You too. Get out there and enjoy the sun.

 
At 6:37 PM, Blogger Art Durkee said...

Walt Whitman's advice on the matter:

from With Walt Whitman in Camden, 4/19/1888:

"When you write do you take anybody's advice about writing? Don't do it: nothing will so mix you up as advice. If a fellow wants to keep clear about himself he must first of all swear a big oath that he'll never take any advice."

 
At 6:42 PM, Blogger John Ettorre said...

Not surprising, given that Whitman is generally considered a protege of sorts of Emerson.

 

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