A Disgrace to the Forces of Evil
As you’ve likely heard, a certain infamous,
wealthy business owner is in the news for offering billions through his
self-named fund to assist
in combating climate change. Certainly a generous and noble effort.
As much as he should be applauded, we all know someone who may not possess great wealth, yet never hesitates to offer assistance to those in need throughout his day. Small gestures count too, they just don’t get public kudos …
MUNIFICENT (myōō
nifʹɘ sɘnt) adj.
– 1) very generous in giving; 2) characterized by or indicative of great
generosity (a munificent reward). [WW #256*]
Not to be confused with maleficent:
harmful, hurtful, evil – emerging as a popular household name with Walt Disney’s
portrayal of Sleeping Beauty’s evil fairy
godmother – Maleficent: Mistress of All Evil. She is
an exquisite antithesis of munificent. The years roll by. But
a hundred years to a steadfast heart are but a day.
Thinking about this week’s word reminded
me of a friend who exemplifies munificent every day. He’s
enjoying his 60-something birthday today (and a member of our 39 and Holding Club of course)
with his usual humor and humility.
In a recent chat, we discussed how we’ve
changed as people since our youth. And thankful for it! Successful
aging and maturing (not always hand-in-hand) should include a more
generous and compassionate nature, in deed and thought. Not always easy to maintain
in our current virulent society.
Admittedly, my friend is more altruistic than
I—he never turns away anyone who truly needs assistance and strives to live “neighborly”—in
a munificent and courteous manner.
If only everyone would display the Golden Rule like my
friend: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
Word Challenge: MUNIFICENT. It is not always easy to plausibly justify the behavior
of generosity and beneficence in your fiction characters or non-fiction
subjects. Give it another go as you fit munificent into your week of magnanimous
writings.
Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening!
Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s
your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by
trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in
her Blast from Your Past series (of
three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT
Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years
1954-1959; and Book
2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic
Seventies!]
*Note: 1) Dictionary
definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes,
we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun!
Think of it as “creative context.” 2) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant
for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may
result in legal action.
Endnote: FYI – All links in the
PFP site are personally visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to
commonly accessed sites of reputable note. However, as with everything
cyber-security, use at your own discretion.
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
