A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. John A. Shedd
Autumn is here, pitch-black evenings and mornings, the true season of Weltschmerz. The darkness is not the only reason to feel despair, isolation, or angst. The stream of political and healthcare crises is destroying the world of our dreams, but unfortunately… this is what we’ve got today.
The word Weltschmerz has a German origin and translates to “world-weariness” or “world pain.” The funny thing, the term is ancient, with the roots in the 1830s. It was first used (or created) by German writer Jean Paul in his pessimistic novel Selina. The word described Lord Byron’s nihilistic loathing for the world – the sadness about life: destructive, skeptical, a touch of melancholy. To say it more clearly: the misery of existence, conflict with all evil.
According to Google, Weltschmerz’s usage in English texts spiked after two world wars and then in the 1970s. Well, here we go again: in 2020, with its Covid-19 and unstable economic situation, Weltschmerz is attacking every level of being, spreading anxiety and horror.
But fear not…
When you are a writer, you can fight it most unusually – by creating variations of worlds, with strong characters and happy endings. You are an ingenious creator! Your greatest gift (or dharma) is to inspire, illuminate, support, and spread this precious creative light.
Remember, creativity is everywhere, even in words like Weltschmerz. Be process-oriented, be like a firefly – the light of a thousand stars – a radiant, enthusiastic, joyful, magical dreamer. Be the epitome of the solar force, boundless energy that achieves anything. If the sun doesn’t shine right now – shine from inside, and expand it to the whole universe through your writing.
Brighten up this full of the weltschmerz-shit universe!
With this motivational kick in the butt, I’ll leave you. Do not forget, today is BRING YOUR TEDDY BEAR TO WORK day. Surprise your colleagues, boss, or family. It might help you to reconnect with humanity, attracting the audience you need. Haha. If you’d add a yummy dessert, then you’d hit a double win – because today is also National Dessert Day.
With weapons like a teddy bear and a cake, we are 100% winning! Goodbye, Weltschmerz! We are free from your negative, dim energy!
May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house. George Carlin
59 days to go! Pre-order The Pearl Territory – link
Next post – Wise, Horny, and Wrong (absurdist, satire)
That’s funny; I used that same quote on my US Navy Birthday post yesterday. I also keep a teddy bear (actually Beanie Boo “Dixie) at work in case someone needs cheering up. Everyone breaks out a smile when they see her on their desk 🙂
The short days and long nights don’t bother me – I’m a night owl and stargazer, but I take your point about the seemingly dark days we’re living under now. I think humans have lived through hundreds of dark years – possibly more than they have of “light” happy years. The human spirit for happiness is unquenchable, but there always seems to be some powerful, big meanie who wants to make everyone as unhappy as he is.
For me, I’m the light around this joint. Everyone better be happy today or else!
(Pre-ordered!)
I have to go and check 🙂 & it’s great 😉meaningful quote…so why not!
Love the story about Beanie Boo Dixie 🙂 I’ve got a yellow frog 🐸 lol
Haha 😛 this is exactly what can help us to destroy* Weltschmerz!! The vision & mood like yours today!! Keep it up! & thank you 😊🍀🌱❤️
I don’t have a teddy. I’ll bring my Weltschmerz.
😅 what about a cake? :))
Always.
😛👌
Even Weltschmerz is brighter with a cake 🍰😉
Which is why I always have one in the fridge. Or at least a chocolate.
I have my two teddy bears in my office, I’ll go for some ice cream!
Ice cream 🍨…mmmm, now when you mentioned 😋😃 i need a scoop or two
Great thoughts here, thanks!
Teddy bears and cake…living in total denial or simply brightening up one’s small corner of the world while Rome burns? Well, if we’re all burning, I’d rather be laughing about the absurdity of it all…
I’d like to brighten my small corner time to time 🙂 why not? Some ppl have to create positive “waves” & spread “optimistic” particles 🙂 that’s how the world will survive… 🙃😛
Yep. Gotta start somewhere…
Always inspirational . Thank you for being you and wonderful, crazily talented and prodigious writer.
Thank you 🙂 after your words I’m going to work like a storm… 📚📚📚📚 more books ahead lol
damn, soon I can open my own shop with “rays” books only haha 😂
Take it from the former owner of The Philosopher’s Stone (rare and antiquarian books) Rotate Your Stock !!!
😂 Good advice! I still need at least 20 more books to make a rotation;)
Brilliant post, just what I needed to hear today. Keep safe and full of light 🌈 x
Thank you 😊 & have a great day-week! 🍀🌱
You know such wonderful quotes. No wonder you are so creative.
🙂 you mean quotes make us creative? 😜😉
You were creative to start with 😃Those quotes are just a reminder never to stop and to encourage everyone to be as creative as they can
😛💚☀️ true :))
It has been a long time since I first heard that quote, but it never seems to be less motivating!
💚💚📚
Nice one – I wasn’t in work to take my teddy bear! Not that I have one of my own anymore…