@David Whyte talking about William Blake's idea of having a "firm persuasion." Makes me wonder about the roll Substack plays in supporting the "firm persuasion" of so many of us writers?
"To have a firm persuasion in our work—to feel that what we do is right for ourselves and good for the world at exactly the same time—is one of the great triumphs of human existence. We do feel, when we have work that is challenging and enlarging and that seems to be doing something for others, as if, in Blake’s words, we could move mountains, as if we could call the world home; and for a while, in our imaginations, no matter the small size of our apartment, we dwell in a spacious house with endless horizons."
I wonder if David would recommend a good entry point for an appreciation of Blake. A good biography for example, or one volume especially suitable to those of us getting our real education late in life.
I’ve got a 1955 copy of The Portable Blake edited by Alfred Kazin that is a gem! I also recommend William Blake versus the World by John Higgs.
Blake said that in the universe there are things that are known, and things that are unknown, and in between them there are doors. These books are doors to soul. 🙏❤️
Thanks Jamie. I doubt I am in danger of becoming a Blake scholar, but taking our recommendations and romping around the net a bit is an education in itself. I am now tending toward the Northrop Frye biography.
I become more attentive to voice and the quality of sound. No doubt prompted by recent DW comments on the nature of our sight and hearing senses. DW seems to live out his own ideas of the quality of voice. By way of example, I have found over the last three years of auditing him that his voice is both heard and felt. I am no doubt far ahead of myself a propos of the Blake audiobook, but I will investigate. Thanks again for the direction.
What a lovely, soulful word on work and identity. Thank you for inviting me into something more generative for myself and others, David. And to live in this world with more wonder. What a gift.
I lapped this up. So relatable and inspiring at the same time.
"To feel that what we do is right for ourselves and good for the world at exactly the same time....."
This is what ignites the flame and keeps it burning in those dark times of doubt.
Thank you for another beautiful piece of writing. Jo :-)
@David Whyte talking about William Blake's idea of having a "firm persuasion." Makes me wonder about the roll Substack plays in supporting the "firm persuasion" of so many of us writers?
"To have a firm persuasion in our work—to feel that what we do is right for ourselves and good for the world at exactly the same time—is one of the great triumphs of human existence. We do feel, when we have work that is challenging and enlarging and that seems to be doing something for others, as if, in Blake’s words, we could move mountains, as if we could call the world home; and for a while, in our imaginations, no matter the small size of our apartment, we dwell in a spacious house with endless horizons."
I wonder if David would recommend a good entry point for an appreciation of Blake. A good biography for example, or one volume especially suitable to those of us getting our real education late in life.
I’ve got a 1955 copy of The Portable Blake edited by Alfred Kazin that is a gem! I also recommend William Blake versus the World by John Higgs.
Blake said that in the universe there are things that are known, and things that are unknown, and in between them there are doors. These books are doors to soul. 🙏❤️
Thanks for the recommendations.
Thanks Jamie. I doubt I am in danger of becoming a Blake scholar, but taking our recommendations and romping around the net a bit is an education in itself. I am now tending toward the Northrop Frye biography.
David, you may enjoy this: https://www.audible.com/pd/William-Blake-vs-the-World-Audiobook/B09V3JGHR6
Thanks, Tom ... just ordered.
This was great! I’ve listened twice. Narrated by the author really well.
Thank you Tom. I have actually heard of this, so it sounds like time to follow through.
I’m not a fan of audiobooks, but this one is great.
I become more attentive to voice and the quality of sound. No doubt prompted by recent DW comments on the nature of our sight and hearing senses. DW seems to live out his own ideas of the quality of voice. By way of example, I have found over the last three years of auditing him that his voice is both heard and felt. I am no doubt far ahead of myself a propos of the Blake audiobook, but I will investigate. Thanks again for the direction.
What a lovely, soulful word on work and identity. Thank you for inviting me into something more generative for myself and others, David. And to live in this world with more wonder. What a gift.
Absolutely beautiful and feels like Soul Work to me.