The Muses: The Gift that Keeps On Giving

I think sometimes I think of “the muse” or of “inspiration” as something that happens to or inside of an artist.  I think of it as an experience that helps the artist bring forth a painting, a poem, a statue, a musical composition, a song, a building design, or any other form of human creativity.  And then, it’s done.

Except that it’s not.  The very nature of the Muses is that they are always working in and THROUGH human lives.  Inspiration may be captured in a moment, but in fact, it is something that is always happening on a continuum through humanity.

Think of that last artistic piece that caught your attention.  Without question, the Muses were at work in the artist, and, as you gaze upon or listen to the artistic creation, the Muses continue their work–to inspire you, the beholder of the art.

The Muses never finish their work.  They keep on giving.

We are in the midst of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend in this nation.  There is no doubt in my mind that the Muses worked in him, because every time I read a publication of his or listen to an audio clip of his speeches, I am deeply moved.  The Muses continue to speak in and through him, in and, I hope, through me.

I offer you to considerations during this holiday weekend.

  1. Read this article about ten people who inspired King and who we think he hoped would inspire us.
  2. Watch this short video collection of some of his most loved quotations.

All the Muses to do their work.

Bob Patrick

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