Tom Waits once said: “Everything is explained now. We live in an age when you say casually to somebody ‘What’s the story on that?’ and they can run to the computer and tell you within five seconds. That’s fine, but sometimes I’d just as soon continue wondering. We have a deficit of wonder right now.”

That got Aaron Lamb thinking for his new novel Cults, Coffee and Close Encounters. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of information and stimuli. This constant bombardment can lead to what some call a “deficit of wonder” – a state where we become numb to the marvels around us, losing our ability to be amazed, curious, and inspired. However, there’s a powerful tool at our disposal that can help us reclaim our sense of wonder: writing.

The Power of the Written Word

Writing is more than just putting words on paper; it’s a process of discovery, reflection, and creation. When we write, we engage with our thoughts and experiences in a deep, meaningful way. This engagement can reignite the spark of wonder that may have dimmed in our daily lives.

Slowing Down and Observing

One of the first ways writing combats the deficit of wonder is by forcing us to slow down. In a world of instant gratification and constant distraction, the act of writing requires us to pause, reflect, and truly observe. Whether we’re describing a scene, a character, or an idea, writing compels us to pay attention to details we might otherwise overlook.

As we search for the right words to capture a sunset, the intricate patterns of a leaf, or the complexity of human emotion, we rediscover the beauty and complexity of the world around us. This process of careful observation and description can reawaken our sense of awe and appreciation for life’s subtle wonders.

Exploring New Perspectives

Writing also allows us to step outside ourselves and explore different perspectives. Through fiction, we can inhabit the minds of characters vastly different from ourselves, experiencing their joys, sorrows, and revelations. Non-fiction writing challenges us to research and understand diverse topics, broadening our horizons and revealing the incredible depth of human knowledge and experience.

This exploration of new ideas and viewpoints can reignite our curiosity and remind us of the vast, wondrous world beyond our immediate experience.

Creating Worlds and Possibilities

Perhaps one of the most powerful ways writing defeats the deficit of wonder is through the act of creation. When we write, we’re not just passive observers of the world – we become active creators. We can conjure entire universes, invent new technologies, or reimagine history. This creative process taps into our innate sense of wonder and possibility.

Even when writing about real-world topics, we engage in a form of creation. We weave together facts, ideas, and insights to create new understanding. This synthesis can lead to moments of revelation and wonder as we uncover connections and meanings we hadn’t seen before.

Sharing and Connecting

Finally, writing allows us to share our sense of wonder with others. When we articulate our amazement at a scientific discovery, our awe at natural beauty, or our fascination with human nature, we invite others to experience that wonder too. In this way, writing becomes a conduit for wonder, spreading it from person to person and defeating the deficit on a larger scale.

Embracing Wonder Through Writing

In a world that often seems to have lost its capacity for awe, writing stands as a powerful antidote. It encourages us to slow down, observe closely, explore new perspectives, create freely, and share our sense of wonder with others. By putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), we can reignite the spark of curiosity and amazement that makes life rich and meaningful.

So, the next time you feel the weight of the mundane pressing down, pick up a pen. Write about what you see, what you imagine, what you wonder about. In doing so, you might just find that the world is still full of wonders waiting to be discovered and shared.