Walking the Talk

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inLanguageTags:

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

1 Corinthians 13:1

A Pathway 

In the hands of a wordsmith, language becomes the stuff of legend, holding within each word, each syllable the power for good or evil.  When the written word is given a voice, the strength of an individual’s charisma and vision has the potential to sweep listeners into the intensity of the moment.

Since the beginning, storytellers, with their tales of valiant and noble heroes, have captured our imagination.   The influence of communication advanced significantly with the emergence of orators.  Since the time of Ancient Rome, the art of public speaking was a highly prized professional competence.  The Romans turned to the Greeks, known for their mastery in this creative field, for training.   Even now, we reward those who can speak with eloquence and authority.

There is a caveat. Talk only lasts for a finite duration.  It is the walk that counts. Humanity has a great capacity for spotting insincerity, deceit and hypocrisy. We connect words to actions.  And if the actions don’t measure up to the words, we reject the message and the ideas embedded in the finery of phrases.

Over the next few weeks, I want to explore the connections of words and actions. 

“It is good to express a thing twice right at the outset and so to give it a right foot and also a left one. Truth can surely stand on one leg, but with two it will be able to walk and get around.”

Friedrich Nietzsche

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

22 thoughts on “Walking the Talk”

  2. Wonderful piece Rebecca… the NZ countryman’s version of walk the talk is – Put your money where your mouth is !!!
    Marvellous thought from Nietzsche – I must give it to my grandson, who’s just got an A plus in his exam on Nietzsche – ii’s so lovely when you can boast about grand- children without an ounce of modesty !!!

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    1. I love it when people boast about their children and grandchildren. It is so much more refreshing and exciting than when they boast about themselves. I am fascinated by how time and influence moves from one generation to the next. I am enjoying letting a younger generation take over the responsibilities of career etc. It gives me time to rejoice in their accomplishments because I am ready to explore other pathways. There is never a time when we are not growing and learning. It is just that we must let go (which is not easy for me) of what was and move on to what can be…

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  4. Words put together artistically tempt the reader. I am reading a book by David McCullough, his words are put together so well that one will search for his other master pieces. But like you so well said, our actions prove the wealth of our words.

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    1. David McCullough – one of my favourites. He tells the stories that we have forgotten! Thank you for your comments – much appreciated.

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  5. What happened to my comment, I wonder? Did I end up in the spam again?
    🙂 Anyway, I wanted to say that I really do appreciate your great work on language and words, dear Clanmother! I’ll chew on this on whilst I move the lawn now. Nietzsche is always good for thinking. And learning new languages is one of the top fives against Alzheimer. Have a beautiful day!
    Big hug
    Dina

    “Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often.” – Mark Twain

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    1. Dear Mark Twain! His wit speaks the truth! This is one of my favourites!!

      “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”
      ― Mark Twain

      Your comment came through perfectly. I value your support and encouragement. I have heard that studying new languages wards off Alzheimer. I can see why! When I struggle to remember a new word or pronunciation I think that I am forging new pathways in brain! As my son says, if you don’t exercise the brain, it becomes weak!!! 😆

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  6. I have known and lived with cognitive dissonance within myself and others closely related to, and let me say here, it’s painful to not be authentic, a pain much worse than avoidance with superficiality. I so welcome these next posts. You’re a breath of fresh air. ❤

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    1. I agree – authenticity allows us to participate fully within our community. And in the end, the only thing that counts is the connections we have made in our work to foster a better world. We need each other for our very survival. Thank you for your heartwarming comments! 🙂

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    1. I’m glad that you will be “walking” with me this week. We walk in the footsteps of many; the pathways have been well worn. Every time I look back, there is someone else waiting to tell me their story….

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  8. I think it would be so nice to walk along that path with you Rebecca. We could have a very interesting conversation about so many things. 🙂 I look forward to your future posts on this subject. I’ve always thought that bible quote attributed to Paul to be absolutely brilliant. 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much! Every time I stop by your blog, I feel that we are walking on the same path. Last year, I was asked to read 1 Corinthians 13 at my niece’s wedding. My father had just passed away – and I was taking his place. Ah Adin, I prayed that I wouldn’t cry at the wedding!!! Prayers were answered, but it was touch and go!!! 🙂

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      2. Profoundly so!!! It was a reminder that as we move along our timeline, we take the place of our parents. Even though they continue a new journey, their memories are left to guide us! Makes me more keenly aware of building special memories for my son and my nieces and nephews. Sometimes I think I take care of the “urgent” at the expense of the “important.” Blogging has given me the outlet for slowing down, relishing the moments.

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