Words can change the world.
I believe in the power of positive thoughts and words. I respect words and I choose them very carefully because unlike some believe, I know that they are more than just words.
The above video is an interview with Japanese author, Masaru Emoto who claims to have concrete evidence of just how powerful words are. I hope you find this as thought provoking as I did. Enjoy the video. I’m off to buy some jars.
Dr. Suess was born on this day in 1904. And I don’t have to mention how he revolutionized children’s books along with their imagination. The very first memory I have is of reading a Dr. Suess book with my mother. My very first recollection of my life starts with thee wordphiliac himself.
Some wordphiliacs, or word nerds, as we are sometimes called might be interested in knowing that Dr. Suess is credited with inventing the word nerd. The word nerd first appeared in Dr. Suess’ “If I Ran the Zoo” in 1950.
Even more interesting, is behind the simple rhymes and wild characters, it is said that Dr. Suess not only hid his morals to his stories (he said a kid could smell a moral a mile away) but he has been accused of sliding in his world views. It is suggested that “Marvin K. Mooney Please go Now” is about president Nixon. His character Yertle the turtle was said to represent Hitler. “The Butter Battle Book” was pulled from the shelves of libraries because of the war messages and reference of the cold war.
Think it’s hype? Think it’s people just looking to far into things? Think people are always looking for a good conspiracy? Well why don’t you pick up some of your favorite Dr. Suess books and read them to child and see if things sound a little differently to you now.
After all, it is Read Across Amercia Day. A day that generates enthusiasm for reading and all of its benefits, celebrated on the birthday of the most befitting man.
Happy Birthday Dr. Suess. You made my imagination run loose. And helped to create in every way the wordphiliac that you see to day.
lol- Hey, there is only one Dr. Suess
But words are things, and a small drop of ink,
Falling, like dew, upon a thought, produces
That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.
-Lord Byron
And make millions think is exactly what J.D Salinger did with his 1951 novel “The Catcher in the Rye”. I would have a loved see a world filled with more of his work, but genius is a fragile thing. I have often wondered why those who have the ability to touch the soul of us; who understand humanity so thoroughly, whither in the presence of those very same souls, that very same humanity.
There is talk, as there always is after the death of an artist, about unseen work. They say there might even be a vault filled with unpublished writings. If this stash does exist, I hope they never get their greedy, self-serving, grave-robbing hands on it. Would I like to read some previously unpublished work by J.D Salinger- Yes, that goes without saying. What I would like more, is to respect the wishes of man who gave us more in one book than many others have in ten.
That one book made me and I’m sure countless others see themselves and the world a little different. Goodbye, Mr. J.D Salinger you made us think.
