And it came to me while I [Merlin] was singing - watching…
![“And it came to me while I [Merlin] was singing - watching the ring of faces around the night's fire, their eyes glinting like dark sparks, gazing raptly as the song kindled and took light in their souls - it came to me that the way to men's souls was through their hearts, not through their minds…” quote by Stephen R. Lawhead](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/a2d/stephen-r-lawhead-3949_language-of-the-hear_and-it-came-to-me-while-i-merlin-was-sin_2574939.png)
““And it came to me while I [Merlin] was singing - watching the ring of faces around the night's fire, their eyes glinting like dark sparks, gazing raptly as the song kindled and took light in their souls - it came to me that the way to men's souls was through their hearts, not through their minds. As much as a man might be convinced in his mind, as long as his heart remained unchanged all persuasion would fail. The surest way to the heart is through song and story: a single tale of high and noble deeds spoke to men more forcefully than all of blessed Dafyd's homilies. I do not know why this should be, but I believe it to be true. I have seen the humble folk crowd into the chapel in the wood to receive the mass. In all sincerity they kneel before the holy altar, mute, reverent, as they should be, but also uncomprehending. Yet, I have seen the eyes of their souls awaken when Dafyd reads out, "Listen, in a far country there lived a king who had two sons..." Perhaps it is how we are made; perhaps words of truth reach us best through the heart, and stories and songs are the language of the heart.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True influence works through emotion, not logic; stories and songs reach the heart where reason cannot.
In simple terms: Emotion beats logic for deep change.
Key Takeaway
Use narrative to move people.
Themes
emotion
storytelling
influence
spirituality
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- preaching
- political speeches
- marketing campaigns
- educational workshops
Key Concepts
mythic archetype
emotional resonance
cultural transmission
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you embed truth in a story?
- What song could shift a stubborn mind?
A Different Perspective
Logic alone often fails to change behavior.