Response to Meagan's blog
As a reader and writer (I can call myself that right?) I am inexplicitly
drawn to Whitman. I (like Meagan) don’t agree
with Whitman, but I am still fascinated with his writings.
I think I finally figured out the other day why his writing
impacts me as a writer. I think Whitman’s
Song of Myself (and perhaps other of his works) was what I like to call “a genius
moment”. What is a Genius moment? Glad
you asked.
Firstly, I would like to clarify that having a genius moment does not mean one
is a genius or even had a thought that was truly genius. I get them and am
clearly not a genius of any sort.
A "genius moment" is when one is able to place everything
together, realize connections or purpose, and figure out how to catch, connect
and explain thoughts/ideas/systems/and so on.
It is the moment when I can connect everything somehow and realize I
need to express it.
I get them sometimes
when writing essays. The moments of
inspiration that lead one to change their thesis. Perhaps in ancient Greece this would be when
the Muses are speaking to you.
For Clarification
A "duh" moment is when something hits you that you should have
realized all along, and the things I call "genius moments" involved working through a
thought in one's head or on paper. (I am sure
there is some psychological or philosophical term for what I am describing, but
calling it a genius moment makes me feel better about myself)
A Long explanation needs a Simple Answer
So I like Whitman because I get it. It makes sense to me even if I don’t agree. I see him having a genius moment and want to share
in it.
I am unspeakably impressed by this post. I'll try to be more speakable about it later.
ReplyDeleteGreat work.