Hiroshima by John Hersey“Words Have Power” – This is a theme I’ve spoken about for years, and today I want to share a poignant example of what can happen when something is given “voice”.

This week the New Yorker reprinted the story “Hiroshima” by John Hersey, which was originally published 70 years ago, and is  31,000 words in length. It is said to be “one of the greatest pieces of journalism in the 20th century”, because it influenced how people all over the world viewed war, by humanizing the “enemy.”

Reading this article awakened strong emotions in me, and I highly recommend that you take the time to read it yourself. Here’s the link to the online reprint by the New Yorker: click here.   And you can also get it in book form: click here.

One aspect of my emotions relates to my conviction that every heroic act is an act of love, and there can only be love where there is compassion and understanding of the human condition of all people, be they supposed “friend” or “foe.”

I was also reminded of a Simon and Garfunkel song from my youth called “The Sun is Burning”. To listen to it, click here.

by Fantastic Frank Johnson
Author of “From Flawed to Fantastic”

PS – Do you need an Inspirational Speaker? Check out my site and get in touch to see if I have your dates available inspirational speaker Fantastic Frank Johnson

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