Unit-2-The-Power-of-Words新编大学英语第二版第四册课文翻译.docVIP

Unit 2 The Power of Words The Power of a Note On my first job as sports editor for the Montpelier (Ohio) Leader Enterprise, I didnt get a lot of fan mail, so I was intrigued by a letter that was dropped on my desk one morning. When I opened it, I read: A nice piece of writing on the Tigers. Keep up the good work. It was signed by Don Wolfe, the sports editor. Because I was a teenager (being paid the grand total of 15 cents a column inch), his words couldnt have been more inspiring. 11 kept the letter in my desk drawer until it got rag-eared. Whenever I doubted I had the right stuff to be a writer, I would reread Dons note and feel confident again. Later, when I got to know him, I learned that Don made a habit of writing a quick, encouraging word to people in all walks of life. When I make others feel good about themselves, he told me, I feel good too. Not surprisingly, he had a body of friends as big as nearby Lake Erie. When he died last year at 75, the paper was flooded with calls and letters from people who had been recipients of his spirit-lifting words. Over the years, Ive tried to copy the example of Don and other friends who care enough to write uplifting comments, because I think they are on to something important. In a world too often cold and unresponsive, such notes bring warmth and reassurance. We all need a boost from time to time, and a few lines of praise have been known to turn around a day, even a life. Why, then, are there so few upbeat note writers? My guess is that many who shy away from the practice are too self-conscious. Theyre afraid theyll be misunderstood, sound sentimental or insincere. Also, writing takes time; its far easier to pick up the phone. The drawback with phone calls, of course, is that they dont last. A note attaches more importance to our well-wishing. It is a matter of record, and our words can be read more than once, savored and treasured. Even though note writing may take longer, some pretty busy people do it, includ