“When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon.” — Thomas Paine
Although these words were written more than two centuries ago, they remain strikingly relevant today.
Everyone can talk, but few take the time to write. Why? Because speaking often requires little thought, and you can spew words without truly thinking. Writing, on the other hand, demands reasoning and reflection. For some, that’s too much to ask.
I find mental decline far more terrifying than physical deterioration. To keep your brain sharp, you must occasionally challenge yourself, and writing is one of the best ways to do that. Think of it as a mental workout—like a stationary bike for the mind. It keeps your cognitive gears from rusting and your thoughts from growing lazy. In time, writing becomes a habit, even a need. You may sit down with nothing particular to say, yet still feel drawn to the keyboard to write a few thoughts
You can often tell when someone speaks without thinking. Their words are hollow, their views inconsistent, and their opinions shifting from week to week. They sound unmoored—and at times, ridiculous. This is especially troubling when that person is an elected official…
Writing forces you to clarify your thoughts before expressing them. It’s the calisthenics of the brain, as essential as walking. If neglected, your thinking becomes sluggish, unchallenged, and susceptible to fall prey to fraudulent messiahs.
Most importantly, writing stimulates you. It compels you to examine your beliefs, to form opinions, and sometimes to take a stand that diverges from the crowd.
“Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.” ~ Henry Ford
Alain