Where would we be without the
wisdom of others? They might not think they are wise, but they lend us their experience. Listening to those who talk about fiction gives me insights into novels I haven't even read, gives me introductions to authors I had not heard of until then. Listening to other parents gives me a view on teenagers I did not see before. Hearing and reading about friends' adventures in the kitchen makes me write shopping lists that are a bit different from the staple "Carrots, cranberries, cabbage."
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| Courtesy http://theelectricpanda.wordpress.com/2009/06/ |
Few of us think we are wise. When we are posed questions, or asked for advice, though, we bring our age and experience into play. Wisdom is not merely stuff found in books. Wisdom can be found in family anecdotes - of digging a "hidden" pair of sandals out of a sandpit, or mopping refused spaghetti off the front of a brand new t-shirt.
Wisdom can be found in commonplace opinions about books or movies, which can give a new slant to the terms "jealousy", "gluttony" or "joy". Ask someone you know, and whose opinions you think you have a handle on, what they think joy is, and you might have material for a new novel.
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| Leonard Bernstein |
An off-the-cuff comment about a chance meeting, or a single word about a shared experience such as a concert, can give a creative person the whole basis for their next work. "Did you see how the only thing moving at a certain moment was the conductor's baton?" And the creative person goes home, stays up half the night, and produces a canvas of a hand, complete with cuff and baton, that is a sure masterpiece.
I am in the middle of writing my next novel. It would be practically impossible to do it without drawing on the depth of experience, the advice, the anecdotes, the opinions and the wisdom I have observed in people around me, strangers I meet, and acquaintances I make online.
One might think it would be impossible to produce anything at all without the input of a number of people: all works are the product of a team of some sort. Inspiration is nothing short of the wisdom we gain from others.
You're so right, Rosanne. I draw on the wisdom of others regularly when researching my novels. I've been mentored about sailing ships, given fascinating titbits about Model T Fords, been tutored in wine making. So many shared pieces of wisdom. I thank them all in my books, but in my heart I'm even more grateful.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel uncreative because I rely on the people around me to inspire me. It's a relief to know that it's not just me, and there's nothing wrong with it. I've valued your opinions from the first time I read your comments on a website. You're quick to reach out to others and share amazing insights. You don't know how much your wisdom has helped me.
ReplyDeleteVery sweet of you to say so, Karla - like I said, wisdom is not necessarily bookish or profound, but when it falls upon willing ears, it can form part of a new and creative product!
ReplyDeleteI constantly benefit from the wisdom of others: my amazing family, dearest friends, colleagues - and of course those who have been shining lights to humanity along the way and left their message for all who wish to listen.Teena
ReplyDeleteWriting is a solitary profession, but fueled by our experiences and observations of those we meet or about whom we read. Thanks so much for being my online friend and adding to my wisdom!
ReplyDeleteAs usual, a fresh take, and true. Perhaps we might add to our learning material not jus the wisdom of others but also the ghastly mistakes we and others are bound to make at times! It's all about learning. Margaret Sutherland
ReplyDeleteVery insightful Rosanne. People ask where the ideas come from and yet they so often are the triggers. But I like how you put it in the context of wisdom. I like that and I always enjoy your blog. You get me thinking and expand my perspective. And that is a gift, my wise friend.
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