Quote of the Week: Shaw's Hunger for Life

“There are too many books I haven't read, too many places I haven't seen, too many memories I haven't kept long enough.”
- Irwin Shaw

When I stumbled across this quote, I immediately recognized the late dramatist as a kindred spirit, someone who, like nearly every writer or artist I've known, has an insatiable appetite for life, for stories, for emotional experience. My life has been enriched immeasurably by my time spent in such company.

Having taught many children over the years, I've become convinced that everyone is born with a wide-eyed zest for life and that that zest is the spark that fuels the creative spirit. But it's not a gift one can ignore . It must be nurtured carefully, fed enough fuel and allowed sufficient oxygen to keep it alive. And above all, it must be protected from the harsh winds of cynicism, ennui, and routine.

So at least for today, do at least one thing to indulge that inner child, to feed the hungry flame inside you, to stoke the spirit of creativity until it warms you from within.

Comments

Ha! Already did it, before seeing this! Must be something in the Zeitgeist of the blog!
And thanks for this. You, Mylene and Joni are making me feel a little more "normal."