This is an incredible piece. It's humbling to be among your recommended readers. Thank you. 'm moved by your story, especially by your strength to write weekly about such a challenging experience. I love your point that "We need to balance the record and write about our lives." That's a personal mission of mine, too!
It's easy to overlook how much of our understanding of world history is based on the writings of the wealthy, famous, and privileged. The viewpoints and experiences of <1% of society might make up >85% of our archives of human experience. Libraries are full of volumes upon volumes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and most US president's personal writings, papers, and biographies written about them, for example. How many volumes of firsthand accounts or biographies written by and about, as you say, "ordinary people," exist? Yet their experiences are perhaps even more crucial to a true understanding of world history.
This is such a great, powerful message, and hopefully more people out there chose to record their stories, perspectives, and experiences, because they are all invaluable. Just like you, I journal, and have journaled daily for the last 3 years. It's fun to look back on what you were doing one, two, three years ago today, because we forget details quickly.
Thank you, again, for attaching my name to this special article.
That's a terrific insight, Jack. "It's easy to overlook how much of our understanding of world history is based on the writings of the wealthy, famous, and privileged. The viewpoints and experiences of <1% of society might make up >85% of our archives of human experience."
Intuitively this makes sense but I'd never seen it characterized in a metric like that. We're on this journey together, my friend. This speaks to the core of what we're all about at Projectkin.
Oh, that's beautiful, Kate. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so touched by the story of the ring. It's amazing how something so simple can tell a much larger story.
I'm sorry you had to go through the loss of your husband. It sounds like you really had to be strong. If I may ask, how old was your daughter during the period of time when you wish you'd encouraged her to write? And you never know, she may write about it after all. I started my memoir (of losing my mother when I was eleven) at age 56.
How hard to lose your mother at such a young age. Our daughter had just turned 14, but the couple of years beforehand when her father was deteriorating were very hard for her. They had had a very close relationship.
Well, I'm with you -- I hope your daughter has done, or will do, some writing about her memories and experiences. Writing has helped me create so much meaning. But of course, everyone has their own way of doing that.
Very encouraging. As a long time reader of your writing it’s just got better and better! Which reminds all of us who write in any context that practice makes…. All the difference
This is an incredible piece. It's humbling to be among your recommended readers. Thank you. 'm moved by your story, especially by your strength to write weekly about such a challenging experience. I love your point that "We need to balance the record and write about our lives." That's a personal mission of mine, too!
It's easy to overlook how much of our understanding of world history is based on the writings of the wealthy, famous, and privileged. The viewpoints and experiences of <1% of society might make up >85% of our archives of human experience. Libraries are full of volumes upon volumes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and most US president's personal writings, papers, and biographies written about them, for example. How many volumes of firsthand accounts or biographies written by and about, as you say, "ordinary people," exist? Yet their experiences are perhaps even more crucial to a true understanding of world history.
This is such a great, powerful message, and hopefully more people out there chose to record their stories, perspectives, and experiences, because they are all invaluable. Just like you, I journal, and have journaled daily for the last 3 years. It's fun to look back on what you were doing one, two, three years ago today, because we forget details quickly.
Thank you, again, for attaching my name to this special article.
Thank you for your long and thoughtful comment. I love your articles and the interesting and different ways you encourage us to look at the past.
That's a terrific insight, Jack. "It's easy to overlook how much of our understanding of world history is based on the writings of the wealthy, famous, and privileged. The viewpoints and experiences of <1% of society might make up >85% of our archives of human experience."
Intuitively this makes sense but I'd never seen it characterized in a metric like that. We're on this journey together, my friend. This speaks to the core of what we're all about at Projectkin.
Oh, that's beautiful, Kate. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so touched by the story of the ring. It's amazing how something so simple can tell a much larger story.
Thank you so much. It is often the little things that mean so much.
Wonderful advise and thinking this, so personal and moving. Thank you
Thank you for your comment. It also feels good to share.
I'm sorry you had to go through the loss of your husband. It sounds like you really had to be strong. If I may ask, how old was your daughter during the period of time when you wish you'd encouraged her to write? And you never know, she may write about it after all. I started my memoir (of losing my mother when I was eleven) at age 56.
How hard to lose your mother at such a young age. Our daughter had just turned 14, but the couple of years beforehand when her father was deteriorating were very hard for her. They had had a very close relationship.
Well, I'm with you -- I hope your daughter has done, or will do, some writing about her memories and experiences. Writing has helped me create so much meaning. But of course, everyone has their own way of doing that.
Excellent advice with thoughtful and intimate examples. Thank you for sharing. :)
Thank you for the comment, it is so good to hear how readers feel about my writing, especially when it is very personal.
Thank you for linking to my Substack on your lovely piece.
My pleasure, I admire your writing.
Very encouraging. As a long time reader of your writing it’s just got better and better! Which reminds all of us who write in any context that practice makes…. All the difference
Thank you so much. I have always admired your writing, so I really appreciate your comment.
I love this, Kate. So moving, and beautifully written too. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you, I am so pleased that you loved it.