Armenian folklore has it that three apples fell from Heaven: one for the teller of a story, one for the listener, and the third for the one who 'took it to heart.' What a pity Heaven awarded no apple to the one who wrote the story down.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the importance of storytelling and its impact on both the teller and the listener, while pointing out the often overlooked value of those who document these stories.
This quote reflects on the significance of storytelling in culture, emphasizing that storytelling is a collaborative act between the storyteller, the audience, and those who internalize or cherish the story. It suggests that the writer or recorder of these tales, although essential to preserving these narratives, often does not receive due recognition or reward for their efforts, which can be seen as a commentary on the nature of appreciation and acknowledgment in creative endeavors.
In practice
In a discussion about the importance of literature in preserving culture, one might quote this to emphasize the role of writers.
God uses suffering to purge sin from our lives, strengthen our commitment to Him, force us to depend on grace, bind us together with other believers, produce discernment, foster sensitivity, discipline our minds, spend our time wisely, stretch our hope, cause us to know Christ better, make us long for truth, lead us to repentance of sin, teach us to give thanks in time of sorrow, increase faith, and strengthen character.
Whenever I'm asked to autograph a copy of 'Nudge,' the book I wrote with Cass Sunstein, the Harvard law professor, I sign it, 'Nudge for good.' Unfortunately, that is meant as a plea, not an expectation.
Good order is the foundation of all things.
A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.
The longer I live the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company . . . a church . . . a home.
If you're going to be a good and faithful judge, you have to resign yourself to the fact that you're not always going to like the conclusions you reach. If you like them all the time, you're probably doing something wrong.
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