"Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people."
I found this quote in the January issue of American Rose. It was used to encourage non-exhibitors of roses to appreciate instead of vilify those who are passionate about exhibiting their roses, specifically hybrid tea roses. Apparently, feelings run high among rose growers as to who is more devoted to the art, perhaps along the dividing line of amateurs and professionals, "professionals" being those who enter rose shows. I'm not sure, being firmly in the rank of beginning rosarian, but it's an interesting insight into the American Rose Society.
I do like the quote. I've been thinking about how important it is to stop hiding behind the polished style I've developed in my writing over the past twenty years. I want to be more honest if I can. I'm not sure how to accomplish that. Less obscuring uncomfortable reality, perhaps, and more willingness to exhibit my inadequacies and weaknesses. It's going to expose me for the arrogant egotist that I am, of course. But maybe everyone knew it all along. It will be an interesting experiment if I can bring myself to do it.
And how does this relate to the quote? In this diary I have been discussing people, mainly me, and events, though rarely current. I almost never discuss ideas. That would expose my shoddy habits of thinking, I fear, and my tenuous grasp on politics, economics, all the real world concerns that I avoid thinking about because they're too boring or too complicated. But I don't know why that should stop me from expressing my opinions on things I care about like art, and music, and literature. I can't refine my ideas without outside input. Somehow I've gotten away from the joy of sharing information and come to feel that anything I have to say would have the depth and value of water-cooler discussions. But that's a fallacy. I must learn to be braver about looking foolish or misinformed. I must learn to show my roses.
So to speak.
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