This week, I noticed a disturbing status update. I did not immediately know how to respond. Several hours later, I noticed an (unknown) quote, which I sent to her: “Take care of your thoughts when you are alone, and take care of your words when you are with people.” She appreciated my gesture.
Some attribute the quote above to Lorde but it appears to paraphrase another, and much older, quote:
“Guard well your thoughts when alone and your words when accompanied.”
A quote by Roy T. Bennett (1939-2014)
Roy T. Bennett makes a sound observation, which makes sense as he was an attorney and CPA (sic!). As a writer, I have my own method to apply his advice. I write my drafts several days in advance, and do my final editing the evening before publishing. Often, my editing is mild but sometimes it’s quite heavy.
There is a related topic on my list which I had not explored yet. Lately, I have been wondering why people seem to prefer the beliefs (and related opinions) of others rather than start thinking for themselves. The answer might well be that our thoughts are scary (eg, Harvard, Healthline, PsychologyToday).
I’m quite able to control my thoughts because I know the origin of these scary thoughts, being the dark side of our mind. When you walk alone through life, your thoughts seem to become louder and louder. It’s better not to walk alone through life, unless you’re (very) strong. Also see the song below.
Recently, Dutch newspapers (eg, VK) reported on a government study that 22% of young people had suicidal thoughts during the lockdowns. Human beings are social creatures. Mandatory solitude results in loneliness and dangerous thoughts. My solitude is voluntary. I seldom experience feelings of loneliness.
It’s tempting to blame mass shootings, like May 24, on the scary thoughts of loners (ie, motive). The absence of gun control allows for the means. The opportunity is only a matter of time (ie, when; not if).
Last but not least, I enjoy my solitary thinking although it can be very frustrating to experience its boundaries. Exploring the unknown unknowns in my mind is extremely hard. In other words: I don’t know, what I don’t know. Fortunately, my inspiration and/or epiphanies seldom let me down.
You’ll Never Walk Alone (1945) by Gerry and The Pacemakers (1963 cover)
written by Rodgers and Hammerstein for the musical Carousel
artists, lyrics, video, Wiki-artists, Wiki-song
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise.
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