And this is precisely why I belong to the Wordsmith group, here-to share, and to take in: our human experiences in all their complex glory, to benefit from the wisdom of others, and the chance to try on another human being's existence for fit.

As a white, extra-privileged male, I feel a moral obligation to understand the trials I have never gone through, to try to feel the consequences of the harsh truths I need not face. Our shared humanity is not some trifle to be easily dismissed.

"any mans death diminishes me,
because I am involved in Mankinde" -John Donne

Adrienne Rich is always a good choice. ?

This reminds me of the mention I saw made some short time ago that reading fiction develops empathy.

Great article here. Thank you for sharing.

I just finished a big book, but I got a cramp in my hand from all the crayon coloring.

Once I discovered that many writers are idiots, I became a lot more selective about what I read. Like food, information should be screened for quality before you put it into your system.