Curious about Pillars: They Are Referred To in Many Ways. How Do You See Them and Use Them?

Definition of a Pillar: The general and popular term for a firm, upright, insulated support for a superstructure; a pier, column, or post; also, a column or shaft not supporting a superstructure, as one erected for a monument or an ornament. Figuratively, that which resembles such a pillar in appearance, character, or office; a supporter or mainstay; as, the Pillars of Hercules; a pillar of the state. A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.

“Hope is the pillar that holds up the world. Hope is the dream of a waking man.” - Pliny the Elder, Roman author

Lately, the word “pillar” or “pillars” had shown up as a theme in self improvement writing and teleseminars. Once you have read the definition above, you, as I, can see why the word has become popular.

I have heard that someone is described as “a pillar of strength.” Jim Rohn has written “Twelve Pillars” with Chris Widener. I haven’t read it yet. A friend just told me that when he started reading it, he “couldn’t put it down.”

One of my favorite blogger gurus, Yaro Starak, gives the following blog writing advice: “Write at least five major “pillar” articles. A pillar article is usually a tutorial style article aimed to teach your audience something. Generally they are longer than 500 words and have lots of very practical tips or advice. This article you are currently reading could be considered a pillar article since it is very practical and a good “how-to” lesson. This style of article has long term appeal, stays current (it isn’t news or time dependent) and offers real value and insight. The more pillars you have on your blog the better.”

So, let’s share some pillar quotations from the experts:

• “Seeing much, suffering much, and studying much, are the three pillars of learning.” - Benjamin Disraeli, British statesman
• “The spirit of truth and the spirit of freedom - these are the pillars of society.” - Henrik Ibsen, Norwegian poet
• “The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government.” - George Washington, American President
• “Women's natural role is to be a pillar of the family.” - Grace Kelly, American actress
• “In journalistic terms, syndication is equivalent to ascending to heaven on a pillar of cloud.” - John Skow, American author
• “Medicine rests upon four pillars - philosophy, astronomy, alchemy, and ethics.” – Paracelsus, Swiss scientist

In addition a timely quotation:

“The bicycle is a former child's toy that has now been elevated to icon status because, presumably, it can move the human form from pillar to post without damage to the environment.” - Brock Yates, American editor

So, I challenge you to make use of the words pillar and pillars this week. I plan to write a couple of articles using them as metaphors. And, I ask you, are you a pillar of strength? We need to be in times like this.