"Writing, the art of communicating thoughts to the mind through the eye, is the greatest invention of the world." Abraham Lincoln
This is a quote that I like to consider from different angles. It makes me wonder what Lincoln was thinking about when he said it. Who was he with? Did he say it in response to a favorite book? Did he truly think writing was man's invention, or upon further reflection give the credit to the Lord?
What comes to mind when you read it? Does it give you any writing ideas? Tell us, please, it'd be fun to hear what you think. A penny for your thoughts:)
Happy February, and Blessings to you!
Hmmm, I'm not sure. Is it really thoughts from the eye to the mind? I don't know. His quote confuses me, actually. LOL Maybe he was talking about the written word and using symbols to express thoughts, etc.
ReplyDeleteJessica,
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those quotes that you can think on backward and forward, and most likely everyone will get something different out of it. I'm still not sure what I think it means! Thanks for coming by:)
Blessings,
Karen
I'm not so sure he was giving credit to man. I think it is quite beautiful, actually. I often think and see with my minds eye. Which to me is what he means. And God invented it on matter what he thinks. *grin*
ReplyDeleteRobyn,
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy this quote too. Thanks so much for coming by!
Blessings,
Karen
I've been reading a book that I'll review next week, but as I read I keep thinking that the author uses words like an artist uses paint. She expresses herself in a way that I can see with my eye.
ReplyDeletePerhaps Abe was thinking that we consider communication as it initially was - through the ear, but the written word has revolutionized communicating.
Hmmm... something to think about!
Susan
Susan P.,
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts; I agree, it is something to think about. Thanks for dropping in!
Blessings,
Karen
Hello Karen...Perhaps Lincoln was talking to someone who had just invented something. Or maybe he was conversing with a child and wanted to make his point. In any event, I'm glad he realized the importance of good communication. Loved the proverb in your blog today, too. So true. Take care and have a great day. Sincerely, Susan from writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteSusan W.,
ReplyDeleteThose are good points; I hadn't considered that. See, this is why I am glad I have you all around:)
Blessings,
Karen
I love Lincoln, and the way he thinks. To call writing an invention is novel, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThis was a clever post, Karen.
P.S. As to giving you a nickname, what about Karie or Kares? As in, "she cares."
Hi Jeanette,
ReplyDeleteI like the way Lincoln thinks too, based on his quotes, anyway.I always wonder what was going on around him and in his head when he said them.
Nicknames, now there's a thought. My Dad did call me Karie every once in a while now that I think about it. You are sweet!
Blessings,
Karen
Writing begs reading. Writing takes the thoughts of one's mind and heart and creates a word picture. The eye beholds the picture and transfers the thoughts to mind and heart. When the picture is painted well, the reader and writer connect, and the reader is in a sense reinvented, a new creation. And that's a good thing IF the thoughts are good thoughts, in sync with the Great Inventor.
ReplyDeleteOh shoot . . . I'm rambling . . . and probably sound corny . . .
Sandra,
ReplyDeleteI didn't think you were rambling! I like your comments; they are yet another angle with which to see this. Thanks so much for coming by!
Blessings,
Karen
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteI've been running all over the blogosphere, and my brain is tired. Like Jess, my first response was, "huh?"
I think Lincoln was trying to express how effective writing can be to communicate thoughts, ideas, and concepts.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Susan R.,
ReplyDeleteI agree. There are many things that can be gleaned from this. Maybe we need to do a writing prompt with this quote, too?
Blessings,
Karen
Turning this quote over in my mind, I started to think . . .about the civil war, the invention of firearms, cannons and other weapons versus the inventions of peace, and persuasion.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Lincoln wasn't thinking about any of that, and maybe he was . . . I don't know.
However, I wonder, if writing seemed such a great invention to him because it can be used to impart knowledge, wisdom, peace, and entertainment. In a time, when books and the written word were some of the only places a person could find knowledge and entertainment, writing would seem "priceless." It still does to me.
Just some jumbled thoughts.
Peace!
-Tyrean
Tyrean,
ReplyDeleteI don't think they are jumbled thoughts; I've thought along those lines too. I often wonder what part the Civil War and human rights played in his thinking. Thanks so much for coming by and commenting!
Blessings,
Karen
I'd never heard that before. How interesting. I think he may have been musing on how by sight we have the ability to understand another human beings thoughts, not just by hearing (as Susan P mentioned). It's actually fascinating to think how communication engages so many of the senses.
ReplyDeleteCarla,
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonder how it grabs so many senses. Thanks so much for dropping by and commenting.
Blessings,
Karen