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Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: Sindawe on April 08, 2005, 12:37:46 AM

Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Sindawe on April 08, 2005, 12:37:46 AM
Are there words, phrases or passages that invoke in you a numinous state of emotion?  If so, what are they?  And do you know WHY they do so?

For myself, the following do promt such a reaction:

"Let the leaves become the hands..."
"When you dream, anything can happen...people can fly"
"Who are you, what do you want, whom do you serve?"
"We hold these truths to be self evident..."
"Behold, the wormhole weapon..."
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: RevDisk on April 08, 2005, 12:56:50 AM
"I, state your name, do solemnly..."


"He who fights monsters should take care not to become a monster.  If you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you."  (Every cop, soldier, EMT and politician should say this to themselves every morning.)

Exodus 22:18

"If a people do not rise up and take freedom for themselves, they neither deserve freedom nor will they keep it."

"i riu ka fuqi, plaku mëncuri"  (The young are strong, but the old have experience.)

"Hold my coffee, and watch this!"
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: griz on April 08, 2005, 01:59:15 AM
This may or may not be what you are looking for. What do I know, until I clicked on this thread I had never heard of numinous.

"It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong."
                -- Voltaire

"Yes, we did produce a near perfect republic, but will they keep it, or
will they, in the enjoyment of plenty, lose the memory of freedom?
Material abundance without character is the surest way to destruction."
Thomas Jefferson

All Bibles are man-made. Thomas Alva Edison

Politicians are interested in people. Not that this is always a virtue, fleas are interested in dogs.  P.J. ORourke
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: jamz on April 08, 2005, 02:52:57 AM
First the obvious ones

Our Father, who art in Heaven....  

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.......

It isn't words, but the sound of medium strong wind at night has always aroused that feeling in me.

I'll think of more when I have some more coffee in me.

-love, James
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Dannyboy on April 08, 2005, 03:58:00 AM
My place or yours?
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: The Rabbi on April 08, 2005, 04:17:39 AM
Up against the wall, Redneck Mother.
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Wingshooter on April 08, 2005, 06:14:54 AM
Bona Na Croin
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: RaggedClaws on April 08, 2005, 06:21:58 AM
(first some sounds)

A train whistle in the distance at night...
Taps being played on a lone bugle at sunset...

(now some words)

"I should have been a pair of ragged claws,
Scuttling across the floors of silent seas..."
~ T.S. Eliot

"Each of us bears his own Hell."
~ Virgil

"Night gathers, and now my watch begins...  I shall live and die at my post. I am the sword in the darkness. I am the watcher on the walls. I am the fire that burns against the cold, the light that brings the dawn, the horn that wakes the sleepers, the shield that guards the realms of men. I pledge my life and honor to the Night's Watch, for this night and all nights to come."
~ from the Vow of Night's Watch (The Song of Ice and Fire series, by George R.R. Martin)

"I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain."
~ The Litany Against Fear (Dune, by Frank Herbert)
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: charby on April 08, 2005, 06:48:06 AM
"Yea though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Just because I suppose, if you take prepare yourself properly there isn't too much to fear out there.
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: grampster on April 08, 2005, 09:24:13 AM
"That man is no fool who gives up what he can't keep, to gain what he can't lose."
James Elliott

Jeremiah 17:5-8

"I'm not tense......Just terribly, terribly alert."
unknown

"We hold these truths to be self evident......."
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Brad Johnson on April 08, 2005, 10:59:02 AM
Ni!

Brad
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: armedcitizen on April 08, 2005, 11:07:06 AM
"Well done, good and faithful servant...."
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: crt360 on April 08, 2005, 11:26:35 AM
The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for the following counties: (insert your county here) . . .
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Chas on April 08, 2005, 12:52:33 PM
For me, it's mostly sounds.

When my daughter says 'Daddy'...on most occasions anyway.

When I hear the wind blowing through the trees.

The sound of rain in a forest.

The SMELL of a clean rain and a cool wind in my face.

Seeing clouds with the back side lit up from the setting sun always heightens my senses to what is around me.

For phrases, 'I pledge allegiance to the flag...' Teared up the first time I said it in grammer school. Sun lit clouds were racing by behind the flag and sun rays were breaking through clouds. I never forget that...
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: BillBlank on April 08, 2005, 02:28:22 PM
"I do......"

I nearly fainted when she said it Smiley I've only been married ten days and I still get goosebumps when I think about it. Hope that never leaves Smiley.
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Holly76201 on April 09, 2005, 11:05:24 PM
Well, I've got several triggers, but I guess the bestest are the Hugsighs that I get from the dearly beloved, my Sisters, and my daughter when, after a nice long hug we simultaneously sigh.
My Sleeping Granddaughter breathing in my ear when I put her on my shoulder.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America...
The National Anthem.
Amazing Grace
Pachebel's Canon in D minor
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: doczinn on April 13, 2005, 07:42:35 PM
A lot of what everyone else has said, and:

"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Sylvilagus Aquaticus on April 13, 2005, 08:41:08 PM
"Fire in the hole!"

"Hold my beer and watch this."

Regards,
Rabbit.
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Stand_watie on April 13, 2005, 10:49:57 PM
Quote from: doczinn
A lot of what everyone else has said, and:

"The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
Second that one. I'll bet a lot of people have never even walked a genuinely dark, quiet wood on a snowy evening.

Luke 23


And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,  And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.


Acts 6

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Harold Tuttle on April 14, 2005, 02:33:44 PM
whilst dashing about the paintball woods
rat-a-tat-tat-in upon the bunkers
i have been known to bellow:

SOMEONES KNOCKING on the DOOR!
SOMEONES RINGING the BELL!

or

STAND and DELIVER

a teammate yells

"Do YOU think i'm SEXY?"

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A Reading from the Book of Armaments, Chapter 4, Verses 16 to 20:

Then did he raise on high the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch, saying, "Bless this, O Lord, that with it thou mayst blow thine enemies to tiny bits, in thy mercy." And the people did rejoice and did feast upon the lambs and toads and tree-sloths and fruit-bats and orangutans and breakfast cereals ... Now did the Lord say, "First thou pullest the Holy Pin. Then thou must count to three. Three shall be the number of the counting and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither shalt thou count two, excepting that thou then proceedeth to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the number of the counting, be reached, then lobbest thou the Holy Hand Grenade in the direction of thine foe, who, being naughty in my sight, shall snuff it."
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Dave Markowitz on April 15, 2005, 11:02:25 AM
The Charm of Making:

Anál nathrach, orth bháiss bethad, do chél dénmha.

(Serpent's breath, charm of death and life, thy omen of making.)

Smiley
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: lee n. field on April 15, 2005, 05:40:42 PM
"There is therefore now no condemnation. . ."

"When in the course of human events. . ."  The Declaration of Independance.  Read the whole thing, and tell me we aren't coming around to that scary point again.
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: grislyatoms on April 16, 2005, 08:29:54 AM
Max Ehrmann


Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.


Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.


Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.


Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.


You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.


Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Stickjockey on April 16, 2005, 12:26:36 PM
"When in the course of human events..."
"To this, we pledge our Lives, our Fortunes, our sacred Honor."

Quote
A train whistle in the distance at night...
Taps being played on a lone bugle at sunset...
Add to this a lone bagpipe at sunset or sunrise, or massed pipes and drums any ol' time.

Songs:

The Star-Spangled Banner
Amazing Grace
Most of what can be found in old-time hymnals

And a lot of what else has already been posted.
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: crt360 on April 17, 2005, 06:04:50 PM
grislyatoms,

Desiderata would have to be high on my list, too.  It's been on the wall in our office longer than I can remember.
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Leatherneck on April 19, 2005, 06:34:02 AM
"Incoming!"

And on a happier note (seeing things, not hearing words):

An acorn growing into an oak tree.
A bitch nursing her pups.
Butterflies and birds migrating thousands of miles.
Any little girl.

Intelligent design? You bet.

TC
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: p35 on April 21, 2005, 10:29:59 AM
"No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any other way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgement of his peers or by the law of the land.  To no one will we sell, to no one deny or delay right or justice. "

From the Magna Carta of 1215. The legend is that the very trees stood up a little straighter when they heard that.
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Pebcac on April 22, 2005, 01:02:39 PM
"Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed."

"Daddy, I love you!"

Seid umschlungen, Millionen!
Diesen Kuss der ganzen Welt!
Brüder--überm Sternenzelt
Muss ein lieber Vater wohnen!
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Nathaniel Firethorn on April 22, 2005, 05:38:33 PM
Hermit thrush at dawn in the Adirondack High Peaks.

- NF
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: Iapetus on April 30, 2005, 12:10:08 PM
The Ryme of the Ancient Mariner

All of it, but particularly:

"He holds him with his glittering eye--
The Wedding-Guest stood still,
And listens like a three years' child:
The Mariner hath his will. "


"And ice, mast-high, came floating by,
As green as emerald. "


"O happy living things! no tongue
Their beauty might declare:
A spring of love gush'd from my heart,
And I bless'd them unaware:
Sure my kind saint took pity on me,
And I bless'd them unaware.

The self-same moment I could pray;
And from my neck so free
The Albatross fell off, and sank
Like lead into the sea."





My parents are Scots, and when I was younger we holidayed in Scotland every year, and listened to tapes of Scottish folk-songs in the car as we drove up.  These undoubtably burried something deep in by heat, just waiting for the right trigger to make me reject years of Nanny-Statist indoctrination and become an RKBA supporter...


Scots Wha Hae

BY: Robert Burns

Scots, wha hae wi' Wallace bled;
Scots, wham Bruce has aften led;
Welcome to your Glory Bed,
Or to Glorious Victorie.

Now's the day, and now's the hour;
See the front o' battle lour;
See approach proud Edward's pow'r.
Chains and slavery!

Wha will be a traitor knave?
Wha can fill a coward's grave?
Wha sae base as be a slave?
Let him turn and flee!

Wha for Scotland's King and Law
Freedom's sword will strongly draw,
Freeman stand or freeman fa'
Caledonian! Let him on we' me!

By Opression's woes and pains!
By your sons in servile chains!
We will drain our dearest veins,
But they shall be free!

Lay the proud usurpers low!
Tyrants fall in every foe!
Liberty's in every blow!
Forward! Let us do or dee!
Title: Words of Power?
Post by: wasrjoe on April 30, 2005, 12:31:14 PM
Sounds:

Rain on a tin roof/car.
Thunder.
Wind blowing through trees in the forest.
A bolt action being worked.