Jump to content
 Share

15 Comments

Recommended Comments

  • Popular Comment
Bill W

Bill W 63,802
Hot

Posted

  • Popular Comment
Flourish derives from the Lain flōrēre (to bloom or blossom), which comes from flōs (flower).  Over centuries of linguistic evolution, it entered Middle French and adapted into the Middle English florishen.  At its core, the word means to literally or figuratively "flower".  
 
The term has grown to encompass several dynamic meanings:  
To Thrive (Growth): Evolving from "blossoming," it signifies growing vigorously or prospering.  |
To Brandish (Movement): Metaphorically linked to the waving or displaying of a flower, it means to swing a weapon or object in a dramatic, attention-grabbing way.  
A Decorative Touch: Derived from the obsolete definition "to adorn with flowers," it refers to embellishments, such as ornamental handwriting or a musical fanfare.  

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the verb flourish first appeared in written English during the early 14-th century, with the earliest documented use tracing back to 1303 in the writings of the poet and historian Robert Mannyng. It was borrowed from Anglo-French roots meaning to bloom or grow abundantly.  The noun form was recorded slightly later, with OED's earliest evidence appearing in literature before 1500 (specifically in the Middle English poem Cokelbie Sow). 
  • Like 7
  • Popular Comment
Bill W

Bill W 63,802
Hot

Posted (edited)

  • Popular Comment
Flourishing in storytelling refers to narrative structures and character arcs that go beyond mere survival to achieve vibrant growth, resilience, and thriving. It is essential for shifting the focus of art and communication from just enduring trauma to creating meaning, inspiring empathy, and fostering genuine human connection. 

The importance of flourishing in storytelling is rooted in psychology, human connection, and narrative depth: 
Empathy and Connection: The stories we consume allow the brain to physically simulate the experiences of others, which builds compassion. Stories that highlight characters moving toward fulfillment help bridge deep societal divides.
Meaning and Transcendence: Great stories, whether fictional or autobiographical, answer not just "what happened," but "what does it mean". Flourishing narratives give audiences a sense of wonder and help them conceptualize their own potential for success and thriving.
Psychological Healing: Processing events through a narrative arc is a proven method for moving past trauma. It allows both the teller and the listener to make sense of their emotions, reclaim a sense of agency, and step from survival into personal growth.
Ecosystem of Narrative Power: Exploring themes of human flourishing can change dominant cultural or societal narratives. It shifts the focus toward building just, sustainable, and story-rich communities where everyone feels heard and valued. 

Understanding how narratives shape our lives and well-being is heavily documented across fields of study from psychology to the humanities.
Edited by Bill W
  • Like 8
  • Site Moderator
  • Popular Comment
drpaladin

drpaladin 115,762
Zorro+

Posted

  • Site Moderator
  • Popular Comment

A showman without flourish isn't a showman

  • Like 5
  • Love 1
  • Site Moderator
drpaladin

drpaladin 115,762
Zorro+

Posted

  • Site Moderator
1 hour ago, Paladin said:

Sadly PT Barnum wasn't the last of the great showmen. They still flourish.

Have you seen the Egress yet?

  • Like 4
  • Wow 1
  • Popular Comment
ReaderPaul

ReaderPaul 21,587
Sleepy

Posted

  • Popular Comment
13 hours ago, drpaladin said:

Have you seen the Egress yet?

???

  • Like 4
  • Haha 2
  • Popular Comment
Bill W

Bill W 63,802
Hot

Posted

  • Popular Comment
1 hour ago, ReaderPaul said:

???

It was PT Barnum's way of getting the people to leave, since they didn't understand that egress was another word for exit, not some unusual creature.  

  • Like 3
  • Love 1
  • Haha 1
  • Wow 1
  • Popular Comment
sandrewn

sandrewn 29,481
Checking In

Posted

  • Popular Comment
19 hours ago, drpaladin said:

A showman without flourish isn't a showman

For any and/or every comment I want to make on this, would require a trip to the "PIT" to post. 

Sorry, Word of the Day, no comment on this one.

 

:cowboy:

  • Like 3
  • Wow 1
  • Sad 2
  • Popular Comment
sandrewn

sandrewn 29,481
Checking In

Posted

  • Popular Comment
13 minutes ago, Bill W said:

It was PT Barnum's way of getting the people to leave, since they didn't understand that egress was another word for exit, not some unusual creature.  

Thanks Bill, I was about to add My ???, to what ReaderPaul said.

 

Much obliged, 

:cowboy:

  • Like 2
  • Love 4
  • Popular Comment
Paladin

Paladin 20,484
Relieved

Posted

  • Popular Comment
15 hours ago, drpaladin said:

Have you seen the Egress yet?

They never leave! (willingly)

  • Like 2
  • Haha 3
  • Sad 1
  • Site Moderator
drpaladin

drpaladin 115,762
Zorro+

Posted

  • Site Moderator
2 hours ago, Bill W said:

It was PT Barnum's way of getting the people to leave, since they didn't understand that egress was another word for exit, not some unusual creature.  

You passed my PT Barnum pop quiz. It's one of my favorite Barnum stories.

  • Like 5
ReaderPaul

ReaderPaul 21,587
Sleepy

Posted (edited)

2 hours ago, sandrewn said:

Thanks Bill, I was about to add My ???, to what ReaderPaul said.
Much obliged, 
 

6 minutes ago, drpaladin said:

You passed my PT Barnum pop quiz. It's one of my favorite Barnum stories.

:cowboy:

2 hours ago, Bill W said:

It was PT Barnum's way of getting the people to leave, since they didn't understand that egress was another word for exit, not some unusual creature.  

BTW (By The Way), P T Barnum did NOT say "There's a sucker born every minute."  It was said by a banker, David Hannum, in relation to one of Barnum's hoaxes.

Edited by ReaderPaul
  • Like 4
  • Wow 1
sandrewn

sandrewn 29,481
Checking In

Posted

On 7/3/2026 at 2:04 AM, Paladin said:

They never leave! (willingly)

I said it before, but I'll say it again...........

For any and/or every comment I want to make on this, would require a trip to the "PIT" to post. 

 

:cowboy:("Sorry, Charlie" :whistle:)

Note: Hint -  StarKist

  • Like 3
  • Wow 2

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...