I thought about that when I saw a wine glass filled halfway asking myself why there is this diligently observed wine etiquette of filling the glass halfway; it's common practice to keep it half a glass full or up to a quarter.
Is it so the drinker doesn't get intoxicated?
Is it because wine is expensive and so drinks and servings should be moderated?
Is it just considered a noble habit?
Well, all the above are correct in some quarters, but there is the story of the Pythagorean cup which leaks when the content is filled beyond a certain level. This etiquette is believed to originate from this. The rationale behind the cup is assumed to be so people don't drink too much.
But in our present day, the most common quoted rationale behind this wine etiquette is to let the wine oxygenate more and let out its pleasing aroma.
I believe that's the attitude one should put into writing. A writing is meant to inspire and move thoughts in a particular direction. That is what makes writers powerful; the fact that they can export their thoughts into the minds of their readers make them think in a particular manner. So being a good writer is no small job, it isn't just about putting information together, it is about putting it in an inspiring way. Liken it to the extensive process wine production goes through that results in a product a consumer gets satisfied with after that little drink; a writing is meant to produce that satisfaction on the mind.
Readers must perceive the aroma of the writer's thoughts else they won't be satisfied with "half a glass full".
No comments:
Post a Comment