Addressing societal issues and influencing public opinion through the transforming power of writing is a powerful means of expression. It can be in any form, like storytelling and essays. Endeavour to win the game by clever tactics does not pay. Diligent hard work is the winning mantra. Special mention to ancient thinkers like Rousseau, Plato, and Indian philosophers. Written words create lasting change. The piece reflects on a writer’s journey. He finds solace and inspiration in writing. His focus is on topics close to his heart, particularly nature conservation.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Writing addresses societal issues and influences public opinion through its powerful expression.
- Words play a crucial role in connecting individuals and fostering change; thus, both writing and spoken expression are vital.
- Ancient thinkers like Rousseau and Plato shaped society through their writings and philosophical ideas.
- Technology has transformed writing and publishing, allowing for greater accessibility and instant reader feedback.
- Diligent practice and a writer’s dedication to refinement enhance the quality of their craft over time.
Introduction
The loud cries and clamour agitate the minds of the innocent and sensitive people. In the current context, the race between the rabbit and the tortoise has been redefined. Now the winner is not the tortoise but the rabbit. The latter symbolises haughty, practical but clever tactics. These tactics are seen as having an edge over scrupulous, honest, diligent, but careful work.
There are a plethora of discrepancies in society. Social and financial disparities apart, there are many which need people’s attention. Superstitions, hoodwinking and issues related to relationships, family and personal are but a few to name.
Regulated society
Since the start of civilisation, human beings have tried to regulate society. They use norms and rules that take care of the majority.
(a) Expression of feelings
People collaborated to find an amicable way. It binds people together and gives them a sense of security and protection. The wish to create a habitable society and Earth led people to express their feelings. They express feelings about what they perceive and see. It is the thought process as to what should be done to improve things and conditions.
Power of words
Some view things with a philosophical angle, while some are not so methodical, but expression is ubiquitous. It is the power of expression which has an edge over other things. Speech is yet another way of expression. An eloquent speaker effectively conveys their thoughts and convinces the masses. The word power is mightier than the sword. Words, their placement, and sentence formation are powerful tools. When used with prudence, they bring about a visible change in public opinion in favor of something.
(a) Intelligent human race
The greatest gift of the Almighty to the human race is intellect, logic and reasoning. Humans convey their thoughts in a particular way by various creative ways. Out of all, the art of expression with minimal use of tools is words. As has been said earlier, using words, humans can create wonders. It is an effective means that uses minimal effort. Storytelling, essay writing, article writing and poetry are the major ways of expressing things powerfully. It is an art that is honed by persistent work, putting ideas into words.
(b) Written words
Written words are more effective because of their penetrability. They are long-lasting and, if kept carefully, can become eternal and show lights to future generations. Thanks to the wise people of yore. They discovered the script and language that help people convey their thoughts. Because of this, the message reaches far and wide. Before the invention of script, people used to listen and memorise the contents that were delivered to them. In ancient India, it was Shruti, to hear.
(c) Ancient thinkers
As society progressed, the complexities increased proportionately. The wisemen and thinkers sensitive to issues would raise their voices and suggest ways to improve through words and writing. It was made possible by their writings. Jean Jacques Rousseau was a famous thinker and philosopher. He changed the course of French history with his writing. His works are studied even today. Long before Rousseau, thinkers and philosophers endeavoured to influence society. Plato and Aristotle are especially notable. In the arena of illustrious intellectuals, Indian thinkers are philosophers who were one up. They gave many valuable thoughts through their preachings, writings and deeds.
Triggering thoughts
Some writers write at the call of their hearts. Others prefer to meticulously plan their work. They give proper thought before putting words in writing. Nevertheless, the thing which is common to both is the situation or incident that triggered the thought process. Some focus on environmental issues, some on spirituality, while some focus on sports or education. Different writers focus their work on any of the areas of their interest.
(a) Attracting attention
The aim of writing articles, features, or blogs is to interact with people. The goal is to attract their attention towards a problem or an issue. Some are aimed at entertaining people with their creative work of fiction. Even though it is a work of fiction, the work impacts people beyond its sole intention of entertaining people. Contents which give a message have a long-lasting effect and are liked by the masses because of their impactful nature. A work of pure fiction also needs to be powerful both by its language and presentation. A well-crafted work has a wide acceptance and a good amount of entertaining quotient.
(b) Impact of literature
A comprehensive literary or philosophical works also need to be appealing and impactful. The pure fictional work “SHE” by H. Rider Haggard is mesmerising and powerful. The book keeps the reader glued to its twists and turns. It captivates with its sequence of events. It is among several books that Haggard wrote, but “SHE” has a unique effect. The celebrity writers have a large readership, which enables them to reach a broad audience. The famous novel “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy left an indelible impression on people’s minds, including Gandhi.
(c) Judging a writer
Judging writer by their stray writings is unjustified. Various works help understand the mindset, psychology and depth of thoughts of a writer. Still, it is also true that among many of their works, only a few can become best-sellers. J.K. Rowling’s work of pure fiction, “Harry Potter,” is a good example. Similarly, the iconic satirical novel “Raag Darbari” by Srilal Shukla made a significant impact. It immortalised the writer in the Hindi literary world.
Technology and writing
Publishing a book or a piece of writing used to be a daunting task. It was mostly dependent on the publisher’s whim and ego. Words and writing were not a lucrative job, and publishers’ apathy used to be a big impediment. Nevertheless, technological advancement made it easy to write and get it published for public consumption and instant reaction. Many writing platforms are available where a writer can post their work and get readers’ reactions. People are also free to choose their desired work according to their interests.
“Practice makes a man perfect”
Ideas, thoughts or incidents play a significant role in the creation of a writing piece. Yet, this is not the only thing a writer should have. Like a skilled sculptor, a writer should make sure that their ideas flow logically. They should base their reasoning on facts. Writing is a skill that can be perfected through hard work. Early efforts are bound to be crude, but continued sincere effort refines the craft. Writing is relaxing and rewarding. (Medium)
(a) Dissatisfaction with own work
Dissatisfaction with own writing propels a writer to refine the skill. Planning the writing is essential, but not ultimate. Putting thoughts on paper seems intimidating. Taking first step is always formidable but after a few staggering, walking progressively becomes easy and smooth. Breaking large project into smaller plots, following a sincere and regular writing routine and planning work gives dividends. Self-study and keeping a hawk-eye approach towards the happenings around gives an edge to the writing.
(b) The reader’s trust
A writer draws inspiration from Nature. For a nature lover, Nature stays at an omphalous position of writing. His thought process revolves around Nature, its conservation and protection. A little research work is essential before putting down thoughts on paper. Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s before finalising a piece is essential that saves from inadvertant mistakes. Reader’s confidence and trust is of utmost importance. It is they who make a person a writer.
In the end
Writing is a good and creative way to connect with readers, who are a great encouragement. The medium of writing not only relieves but also strengthens inner consciousness. It is the way of contributing one’s share in shaping and chiselling society positively.
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