To Have Soul

The soul is often referred to as the spirit, or motivation behind the beholder, but what does it mean to HAVE SOUL? As the common saying goes, “soul is where the heart is.” Therefore, the soul of something has a heart. The heart of something, whether it be a person, poem, song or story as Sanders says is the center of all collective meaning, where the soul forms its conscience. This conscience should be found through self discovery, and not formed through external pleasures such as money, or fame.

We must speak through the heart of the being or thing if we are to unveil the true meaning of its internal mysteries. Thus, something that has soul has the presence of an internal all encompassing substance. Moreover, in Writing from the Center, Sanders tries to emphasis this substance must be “more-than personal meaning and power.” Therefore to truly “have soul” is to go beyond the ego of self-righteousness and instead stem from selfless passion. For a person, a uniquely pure personality free of pride should be the essence of the soul. For an item such as a story, or song, the meaning behind the words, should convey a message that does not enhance the words of the story, but internal message in the heart of the song or story. All in all, to truly “HAVE SOUL” is to process the capacity to not rely on self interest, but true passion.