D. Sader – Page 30 – Writing Prompts

“If you wish to know what a person is…” #4

To know a [person], observe how he wins his object, rather than how he loses it; for when we fail, our pride supports us; when we succeed, it betrays us.

-Charles Caleb Colton

Our society claims to value good sportsmanship, especially graceful losing. Should more attention be given to graceful winning instead? Describe some examples of unseemly winning, either from your own experience or as a spectator of sports or other competitions. What did the winner’s behavior reveal about him or her? How might you persuade the person to change?

“If you wish to know what a person is…” #5

The [person] who is always having… feelings hurt is about as pleasant a companion as a pebble in the shoe.

-Elbert Hubbard

“If you wish to know what a person is…” #6

A wrongdoer is often a [person] who has left something undone, not always he that has done something.

-Marcus Aurelius

Another way of saying this is “There are sins of omisson and sins of commission.” Explain an example of the wrong done by someone who neglected or chose not to do something. Can “not doing” be as harmful as “doing”? Is it easier for “non-doers” to excuse themselves than “doers”? What kinds of personalities might choose leaving someting undone over doing something wrong?

“If you wish to know what a person is…” #7

The measure of a [person’s] real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

-Macauley

Cynics have said that what passes for morality in most people is really coeardice-the fear of getting caught. Do you think this is a fair estimation of the average person? Support your answer.

“If you wish to know what a person is…” #8

“Realistic people” who pursue “practical aims” are rarely as realistic, in the long run of life, as the dreamers who pursue their dreams.

-Hans Selye

Giving Your Word(s): On Writing and Talking #1

Giving yourself your word to do something ought to be no less sacred than giving your word to others.

-Andre Gide

Giving Your Word(s): On Writing and Talking #2

Letter-writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company.

-George Gordon, Lord Byron

How do you enjoy “good company” when you write a letter to someone? Does a telephone conversation combine “solitude with good company”? What advantage does letter writing have over telephoning?

Giving Your Word(s): On Writing and Talking #2

Letter-writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company.

-George Gordon, Lord Byron

Giving Your Word(s): On Writing and Talking #3

… One can never be alone enough when one writes… there can never be enough silence when one writes… even night is not night enough.

-Franz Kafka

Giving Your Word(s): On Writing and Talking #4

If you can’t write your idea on the back of my calling card, you don’t have a clear idea.

-David Belasco

State Mr. Belasco’s thought in another way, beginning with “A clear idea…” Have you ever discovered, through writing or talking that you hadn’t worked out an idea enough to express it clearly? Explain that experience (or make up one) using exactly 25 words.