Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” Ah, Eleanor, nothing will ever knock you off your perch as my hero, but I’ve got to challenge you for a moment on this one . . .
I’m convinced even great minds occasionally discuss events. I’m sure, for example, there were a few geniuses out there rehashing their favorite Olympic moments (controversial or otherwise). And I know for a fact some great minds occasionally discuss people. Is there a human alive who never gossips? If so, I’d like to meet them.
However, I do know, Eleanor, that this quote, like so many of the motivational things you’ve said, is aspirational. You’re simply urging us, as often as possible, to focus our minds on ideas, because new ideas can lead to innovation and progress and old ideas reimagined can lead to breakthroughs.
But history also teaches us not all ideas lead to goodness in this world, as you knew all too well. That’s why you’re encouraging us to “discuss” rather than simply accept. With discussion comes inclusivity and breadth. Discussion also leads to refinement, then strategy, and eventually to action. Discussion leaves space for passion and drive but also humor and levity. Discussion changes minds and emboldens hearts. Any great idea that survives a productive discussion is one far more likely to attract the energy and hope needed for it to succeed.
Now, Eleanor, you know I’ve always found great satisfaction in quality conversation. How many times have I told you if I had a time machine, I’d travel back to enjoy a long lunch with you on some outside terrace. I gotta tell ya, though, I’m craving deep, meaningful, authentic, sincere, heartfelt conversation even more than usual lately. And I’m feeling a little conflicted about that.
Since I was a kid, I was taught to look down on people who are “all talk and no action,” but I’m not currently finding that to be true. I’ve been enjoying the company lately of some pretty great minds whose wisdom reminds me that simply engaging in good conversation is sometimes action enough.
So, forgive me, dear Eleanor, for not stepping up in some big way right now to change the world, as you so often did. I’ll get back out there soon, I promise. But for now, I’m finding inspiration in discussing new ideas and refining old ones. And, I confess, sometimes I’m stepping “down” to talk about a recent event or even to, gasp, participate in a bit of gossip. Oh, come on, you know you’ve done that too. If for a moment that makes us “average” or “small,” that’s okay. Really, it just means we’re learning from the human experience, don’t you agree? I thought you might.
Hey, thanks, Eleanor. As always, I’ve enjoyed this discussion.
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