Feed-the-Writer's-Soul Friday-Neverisms

Awhile back, on Facebook, I saw something on my home page that made me do a double take, stop and click on it. It was a post from Amazon Kindle.

The title of the page said “10 Things You Should Never Do”. Well, I ask, who can pass that up? Turns out they were promoting a book called Neverisms: A Quotation Lovers Guide to Things You Should Never Do, Never Say or Never Forget. As writers we tend to like the spoken word, especially if someone took the time to write them down.

This list turned out to be quotes that begin with the word ‘never’. Some were funny and some were beautiful and profound. I would never have guessed that Tyra Banks had anything profound to say, but I do like what she said. I like several of them actually. I think I’m going to write a couple of them and post them on my wall because they are relevant to writing. At least to my writing, and hopefully to yours at well. But the best thing about the few minutes I took to look at this entry is that I have another book I really REALLY want to read now. 

Below is what the post says are the top 10 things not to do.

(Taken from their site: http://www.kindlepost.com/2011/05/10-things-you-should-never-do.html?ref=tsm_1_fb_kin_kb_20110524)

10 Things You Should Never Do:

Some are ancient, but with modern relevance.

1) "Never dare to judge until you have heard the other side." --Euripides, 5th century  B.C.
2) "Never promise more than you can perform." --Publilius Syrus, 1st century B.C.

Some come from modern, and even slightly unexpected, voices:
3) "Never dull your shine for somebody else." --Tyra Banks
4) "Never let go of the fiery sadness called desire." --Patti Smith

Even legendary sports stars have gotten into the act:
5) "Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit."--Wilma Rudolph
6) "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." --"Babe" Ruth

Some have an impressive metaphorical quality:
7) "Never cut what you can untie."--Joseph Joubert
8) "Never offer your heart to someone who eats hearts." --Alice Walker

And some are beautiful examples of paradoxical phrasing:
9) "Never let your sense of morals keep you from doing what is right." --Isaac Asimov
10) "Do you wish men to speak well of you? Then never speak well of yourself."--Blaise Pascal

The conclusion? Never underestimate the power of a neverism to improve your life. How about you? Do you have a neverism you want to share?

~Michelle