Word
Gems
What is a
man but the sum of his thoughts?
About
CharisCorp
September, 2000:
I offer
this web site showcasing "the great ideas" of history, sayings and
writings, many of which, in my opinion, illustrate principles of
wisdom and truth; for, as Arthur Findlay well expressed, "Next best to finding the truth is to search for
it."
You may be surprised to discover just how valuable it is to
read many different opinions on a single topic. Edison once expressed his view on the creative
process: "You need a good imagination and a pile
of junk."
The eclectic hodge-podge of sayings
and writings on this site might serve as a "pile of junk," raw material from
which might arise new insights into life, love, and meaning.
Further, there seems to be value simply in rehearsing "word gems" in
one's mind. Mathematician, George Spenser Brown in his The Laws of Form put it
this way:
"To arrive at the simplest truth, as Newton knew and practiced, requires
years of contemplation. Not activity. Not reasoning. Not calculating. Not busy behaviour
of any kind. Not reading. Not talking. Not making an effort. Not thinking. Simply
bearing in mind what it is one needs to know. And yet those with the courage to tread this path to real
discovery are not only offered practically no guidance on how to do
so, they are actively discouraged and have to set about it in
secret, pretending meanwhile to be diligently engaged in the frantic
diversions and to conform with the deadening personal opinions which
are continually being thrust upon them."
We are indebted to the great teachers of history. As I sift through
hundreds and even thousands of aphorisms, it occurs to me that certain stellar names -- a
relatively few names -- keep on appearing, again and again, presenting their thoughts for
our consideration. While untold numbers have contributed to the advance of civilization
and the refinement of the human spirit, it becomes clear that a tiny but illustrious
handful of teachers -- among them, some of the early Greeks and Romans; one or two
isolated voices of the Middle Ages; a gifted minority from the Renaissance and
Enlightenment; certain of our Founding Fathers and British brethren; and an exceedingly
short-list of others -- this elite, starbursts of excellent spirit in the long, dark night
of evolutionary progression, has influenced the flow of history and the development of
humankind far beyond that which their diminished ranks would suggest.
To focus on just one of these great spirits: I am amazed at how often
Lincoln is quoted; and, not just in matters concerning law and government but on a wide
variety of subjects. It is all the more astonishing when we consider the humble beginnings
of this rough man from the hills of Kentucky; one without formal education, rising to
heights, not only in political leadership, but in practical wisdom and facility of
language, the expression of which -- his writings and speeches -- oftentimes, resonate
with the august cadence and majestic style of the King James Bible.
Margaret Mead's words, applied here in reference to history's notable
teachers, have never been more true: "Never doubt that a small
group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
These "word gems," for me, are a kind of personal notebook
reflecting my own developing thoughts and experiences; and, my purpose for this web site,
in a larger sense, is an opportunity, my own way, of promoting education, enlightenment,
and freedom -- better than cursing the darkness, as RFK liked to use the phrase, it's a
small attempt to light at least one candle.
I hope you find the reading material collected on these pages to be of
benefit. I invite you to check out the What's New icon (below) to see a listing
of important items.
Sincerely,
Wayne P. Becker
- "Of all the trails in this life, there is one that
matters most -- it is the trail of a true human being."
Kicking Bird, Dances With Wolves
September, 2008:
It's been eight
years since the birth of Word Gems. The site now
offers over 1000 separate documents on subjects ranging from Art to
Wisdom.
You will find that a
few of the featured topics have grown
to represent some of the most extensive
collections of eclectic thought to be found anywhere on the
internet.
My original purpose here, as stated above, was to create a kind
of life-notebook for myself as I search for a better understanding
of truth, wisdom, love, destiny, and meaning. And in this process, as I post
my findings and tentative conclusions, I am hoping that some of this might
also help others.
Frankly, eight years ago
I had no idea that this project would become so meaningful to me.
Look again at the quote above by George Spenser
Brown:
"To arrive at the simplest truth, as Newton knew and practiced, requires
years of contemplation. Not activity. Not reasoning. Not calculating. Not busy behaviour
of any kind. Not reading. Not talking. Not making an effort. Not thinking. Simply
bearing in mind what it is one needs to know."
Thoughts, Mr. Emerson said, rule the
world.
Simply by reviewing
the best ideas of history; regularly meeting these wise words as
friends; comparing them with others, even contrary opinions - will,
as friends do, change you from the inside out; because, truly,
inescapably, you are but the sum of your
thoughts.
And, over the years,
as you persevere in this process, slowly, but inexorably, you will
begin to see. That opened "book of Revelation," a
time of
perceiving the world and life as it truly is, of which Anne of
Green Gables spoke, will, more and more, be yours. It has
become increasingly clear to me that my early years, especially, were lived in a kind of
stupor and daze. But even beginning to understand this is a great step
forward in one's evolution.
I will be adding a
new feature to Word Gems - a series of articles with the format, "A Personal
Statement,"
on various topics.
This project will allow
me to mentally sort out my research -and will also serve as a record of
my thoughts for my children; also, readers have asked me about my background,
so I will try to frame these issues with references to my childhood, work,
and family life - with photos, as available.
Thanks for your
interest in my work.
Wayne P.
Becker
-
Betrand
Russell: "Men fear thought as
they fear nothing else on earth -- more than ruin -- more
even than death... Thought is subversive and
revolutionary, destructive and terrible, thought is
merciless to privilege, established institutions, and comfortable
habit. Thought looks into the pit of hell and
is not afraid. Thought is great and swift and free, the
light of the world, and the chief glory of
man."
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