Thank you for sharing this E.B. White essay. I'm glad I read it this morning. This line especially resonates with me: "One of the earliest truths (and to him most valuable) that the author of Mein Kampf discovered was that it is not the written word, but the spoken word, which in heated moments moves great masses of people to noble or ignoble action." As a mother of teenagers, I worry a lot these days about how the next generation is (or isn't) learning to read and write. But if you want to raise leaders, it's also important that they be able to give a persuasive, coherent speech. If our children learn how to speak in public, maybe they will be less likely to be swayed by charismatic fascists.
Just wish the democrats would recognize the hidden oratorical treasure offered by such democrats as AOC, Jasmine Crockett, Buttigieg, and Raphael Warnock! Let them loose, DNC and DCCC!
Yes, the quiet power of writing. As a writer, I so often wonder, and need to be reminded there is power in there somewhere. Thanks. I have so frequently felt White's hand on mine as I write and teach. And I love that you call yourself an "amazement seeker."
Thank you for posting this eloquent piece of truth that is as relevant today as in 1940. He knew what freedom entails and how fragile it could become with influencers.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS ONLINE CLYDE. IT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PIECES OF E.B. WHITE'S WRITINGS AND SO PERFECTLY APPROPRIATE TO TODAY. IT OFFERS LIGHT AT A VERY DARK TIME WHEN TRUTH HAS BEEN CLOUDED. SUSAN STIRES
Thanks for sharing. It is especially helpful to hear these wise words from decades ago to help steer us through these troubled times. E.B White has always had a special place in my heart.
In the days since November 5, 2024, I have deliberately not turned on the TV or spent much time on social media. I have just been tiptoeing back to social media selectively. I’m glad I picked Substack to slowly emerge, mainly because I pick the essays to read. Thank you for this one. I would encourage you to try and get a “reputable” corporate media organization to print it because it might reach many more like me who just cannot believe what just happened. It’s so easy to say “history repeats itself”, but this is evidence that it does.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have had One Man's Meat next to my bed for awhile, and now will dive into it. This is incredibly poignant for right now, just uncanny. Passing along to Doug.
Thank you. They say whispering is more effective than shouting when trying to get people’s attention. Don’t know, but feels like we need the mother of all megaphones right now.
Thank you for sharing this E.B. White essay. I'm glad I read it this morning. This line especially resonates with me: "One of the earliest truths (and to him most valuable) that the author of Mein Kampf discovered was that it is not the written word, but the spoken word, which in heated moments moves great masses of people to noble or ignoble action." As a mother of teenagers, I worry a lot these days about how the next generation is (or isn't) learning to read and write. But if you want to raise leaders, it's also important that they be able to give a persuasive, coherent speech. If our children learn how to speak in public, maybe they will be less likely to be swayed by charismatic fascists.
All preachers know this.
I wouldn’t quite say “all.”
Thanks for posting this. I know I have read it before, but I can’t remember why or when.
There’s a song in there somewhere…🎶😎
Just wish the democrats would recognize the hidden oratorical treasure offered by such democrats as AOC, Jasmine Crockett, Buttigieg, and Raphael Warnock! Let them loose, DNC and DCCC!
Astonishingly right for the terrifying moment at hand. White saw and articulated not only the threat to freedom, but the quiet power of writing.
Yes, the quiet power of writing. As a writer, I so often wonder, and need to be reminded there is power in there somewhere. Thanks. I have so frequently felt White's hand on mine as I write and teach. And I love that you call yourself an "amazement seeker."
Reading this just now is a balm to my spirit. To all knights of the goose quill 🪶: may we be brave to write and to speak!
How brilliantly prophetic, God help us.
Needed to reread this. Our country needs an Empire State Bldg size Quill right now!! More than ever!
Thank you for posting this eloquent piece of truth that is as relevant today as in 1940. He knew what freedom entails and how fragile it could become with influencers.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS ONLINE CLYDE. IT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PIECES OF E.B. WHITE'S WRITINGS AND SO PERFECTLY APPROPRIATE TO TODAY. IT OFFERS LIGHT AT A VERY DARK TIME WHEN TRUTH HAS BEEN CLOUDED. SUSAN STIRES
Thanks for sharing. It is especially helpful to hear these wise words from decades ago to help steer us through these troubled times. E.B White has always had a special place in my heart.
Thank you for sharing this. I’m so tired of being told I’m overreacting when I express fears for my safety and well being.
In the days since November 5, 2024, I have deliberately not turned on the TV or spent much time on social media. I have just been tiptoeing back to social media selectively. I’m glad I picked Substack to slowly emerge, mainly because I pick the essays to read. Thank you for this one. I would encourage you to try and get a “reputable” corporate media organization to print it because it might reach many more like me who just cannot believe what just happened. It’s so easy to say “history repeats itself”, but this is evidence that it does.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have had One Man's Meat next to my bed for awhile, and now will dive into it. This is incredibly poignant for right now, just uncanny. Passing along to Doug.
This is EXACTLY what I needed. What we need. Thank you.
Absolutely chilling and necessary read. Thank you for this.
Yes. And back to the quill.
Thank you. They say whispering is more effective than shouting when trying to get people’s attention. Don’t know, but feels like we need the mother of all megaphones right now.
One Man's Meat has been on my bookshelf for decades. Thanks for reminding me of this essay, which is spot on for these times.