Skip to content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Book
  • Careers
  • Podcast
  • Recommended
  • Speaking
  • All
  • Physician
  • Practice
  • Policy
  • Finance
  • Conditions
  • .edu
  • Patient
  • Meds
  • Tech
  • Social
  • Video
    • All
    • Physician
    • Practice
    • Policy
    • Finance
    • Conditions
    • .edu
    • Patient
    • Meds
    • Tech
    • Social
    • Video
    • About
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Book
    • Careers
    • Podcast
    • Recommended
    • Speaking

Why I keep writing: a tale of birds and expression

Osmund Agbo, MD
Physician
February 21, 2024
Share
Tweet
Share

In a recent conversation, my good friend Joe posed what I believed was a thought-provoking question: “Why do you keep writing?” This interrogation, replete with profound connotations, subtly conveyed his conviction that expending substantial temporal resources on the lamentation of the world’s ostensibly insurmountable predicaments stands as a notably futile pursuit. From his perspective, it becomes manifestly apparent that individuals like me, inclusive of those within the public intellectual sphere, find themselves bereft of the requisite solutions.

Interestingly, Joe does not stand solitary in this particular disposition. In fact, I venture to posit that within the sphere of acquaintances and familial bonds, there exists a cadre of similarly inclined individuals who, when presented with the occasion, might proffer counsel advocating for a more pragmatic use of my precious time. In response to Joe’s benevolently intended inquiry, I proffered a perspective with a quote that, in my estimation, mirrors the sentiments of most writers: “Birds sing not because they have answers but because they have songs.”

In the tapestry of existence, birds take center stage as nature’s minstrels, singing their songs with a captivating simplicity that echoes profound truths. The saying, “Birds sing not because they have answers but because they have songs,” encapsulates a timeless wisdom that transcends the avian world, offering a lens through which to contemplate the human experience.

The essence of this point of view lies in the realization that the purpose of song extends beyond conveying information or providing answers to life’s intricate questions. Instead, it speaks to the innate human desire for expression, connection, and the celebration of existence through the medium of music.

At the core of this sentiment is the acknowledgment that birds, unlike humans, do not possess cognitive answers to life’s complexities. They don’t grapple with existential questions or seek solutions to the enigmas that surround them. Yet, when dawn breaks or twilight descends, their melodic tunes fill the air, creating an enchanting symphony that resonates through the natural world.

The act of singing itself is a form of expression—an outpouring of the soul’s intrinsic need to communicate and share emotions. Birds don’t sing to convey specific information or to solve problems; they sing because it is an innate and joyful expression of their being. Like birds, maybe we need to recognize the intrinsic value of expression for its own sake.

Consider the lark, ascending into the sky with its lilting melody, or the nightingale, pouring its heart into the stillness of the night. These feathered choristers don’t sing to instruct, inform, or decipher the mysteries of the universe. Instead, they fill the air with their songs, creating an atmosphere of beauty and grace that transcends the limitations of language.

In the human context, the metaphorical song can take various forms—art, poetry, dance, or any creative expression that emanates from the depths of the soul. We, like the birds, possess an inherent need to share the melodies within us. Our songs may not offer concrete answers, but they bridge the gaps between hearts, forging connections that transcend the boundaries of language and understanding.

Our songs, much like theirs, can uplift spirits, evoke emotions, and bring solace, even in the absence of clear-cut answers, challenging the prevailing notion that every action must serve a utilitarian purpose. In our quest for knowledge and understanding, we often overlook the intrinsic value of beauty, expression, and the sheer joy of being alive. The birds, with their spontaneous melodies, beckon us to embrace the beauty of the present moment and find fulfillment in the act of creation, irrespective of its pragmatic implications.

Let’s for once consider a world where every endeavor is driven solely by the pursuit of answers. It would be a world devoid of art, music, and the myriad expressions that color the human experience. We are encouraged to break free from the shackles of relentless questioning and immerse ourselves in the act of creation—whether it be through art, music, or any form of self-expression.

Consider the great literary works that have shaped the course of human thought. From Shakespearean sonnets to profound philosophical treatises, these writings are not defined by their ability to provide concrete answers. Instead, they stand as timeless expressions of the human condition, offering insights into the complexities of existence and stirring the depths of our emotions.

Taking it a little further, the quote in its metaphorical interpretation extends to the realm of interpersonal relationships. Humans, like birds, often find solace and connection through shared expressions rather than through the exchange of explicit answers. A friend’s comforting words during a difficult time, a partner’s gesture of love, or a shared moment of laughter—all these are akin to the songs that birds share without offering definitive solutions.

In this context, it becomes a poignant reminder of the importance of emotional connection and empathy. Instead of constantly seeking answers from others, perhaps there is greater wisdom in sharing our songs—the unique expressions of our joys, sorrows, and everything in between. Through this exchange, we create a harmonious tapestry of shared experiences, enriching the human journey with the melodies of understanding and compassion.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Birds sing not because they have answers but because they have songs” invites us to a profound contemplation on the nature of expression, connection, and the intrinsic value of creation. It urges us to embrace the beauty of our own songs, to recognize the importance of shared expressions in relationships, and to appreciate the cultural richness that arises from the diverse melodies of humanity.

Joe and folks like him should be reminded that as a writer, the endeavor is not solely about presenting solutions on a silver platter but rather about instigating a dialogue, inspiring reflection, and evoking a myriad of emotions. It is the resonance of these emotions, much like the harmonious cadence of birdsong, that creates a lasting impact.

In a world that often demands answers, the most profound wisdom lies in the simple act of singing our own song, irrespective of whether it holds the key to life’s mysteries.

Osmund Agbo is a pulmonary physician.

Prev

Beyond opioids: a new hope for chronic pain relief

February 21, 2024 Kevin 2
…
Next

How social media alters young brains [PODCAST]

February 21, 2024 Kevin 0
…

Tagged as: Pulmonology

Post navigation

< Previous Post
Beyond opioids: a new hope for chronic pain relief
Next Post >
How social media alters young brains [PODCAST]

ADVERTISEMENT

More by Osmund Agbo, MD

  • What Elon Musk and Diddy reveal about the price of power

    Osmund Agbo, MD
  • How smartphones are stealing your focus—and what you can do about it

    Osmund Agbo, MD
  • Why brutal honesty often backfires and what to do instead

    Osmund Agbo, MD

Related Posts

  • Why medical writing is essential to medicine

    Steven Zhang, MD
  • Pause before writing your personal statement

    Ryan Karmouta, MD
  • Writing tips for physicians from a health care editor

    Debra A. Shute
  • How a physician keynote can highlight your conference

    Kevin Pho, MD
  • The black physician’s burden

    Naomi Tweyo Nkinsi
  • Why this physician supports Medicare for all

    Thad Salmon, MD

More in Physician

  • Why evidence-based management may be an effective strategy for stronger health care leadership and equity

    Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, MD
  • The gift we keep giving: How medicine demands everything—even our holidays

    Tomi Mitchell, MD
  • From burnout to balance: a neurosurgeon’s bold career redesign

    Jessie Mahoney, MD
  • Why working in Hawai’i health care isn’t all paradise

    Clayton Foster, MD
  • How New Mexico became a malpractice lawsuit hotspot

    Patrick Hudson, MD
  • Why compassion—not credentials—defines great doctors

    Dr. Saad S. Alshohaib
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • Why are medical students turning away from primary care? [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Why “do no harm” might be harming modern medicine

      Sabooh S. Mubbashar, MD | Physician
    • How New Mexico became a malpractice lawsuit hotspot

      Patrick Hudson, MD | Physician
    • Why doctors are reclaiming control from burnout culture

      Maureen Gibbons, MD | Physician
    • Why medical schools must ditch lectures and embrace active learning

      Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA | Education
    • Why public health must be included in AI development

      Laura E. Scudiere, RN, MPH | Tech
  • Past 6 Months

    • Why tracking cognitive load could save doctors and patients

      Hiba Fatima Hamid | Education
    • Why are medical students turning away from primary care? [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • What the world must learn from the life and death of Hind Rajab

      Saba Qaiser, RN | Conditions
    • Why “do no harm” might be harming modern medicine

      Sabooh S. Mubbashar, MD | Physician
    • Here’s what providers really need in a modern EHR

      Laura Kohlhagen, MD, MBA | Tech
    • Why flashy AI tools won’t fix health care without real infrastructure

      David Carmouche, MD | Tech
  • Recent Posts

    • Why medical schools must ditch lectures and embrace active learning

      Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA | Education
    • Why helping people means more than getting an MD

      Vaishali Jha | Education
    • How digital tools are reshaping the doctor-patient relationship

      Vineet Vishwanath | Tech
    • Why evidence-based management may be an effective strategy for stronger health care leadership and equity

      Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, MD | Physician
    • Why health care leaders fail at execution—and how to fix it

      Dave Cummings, RN | Policy
    • Residency match tips: Building mentorship, research, and community

      Simran Kaur, MD and Eva Shelton, MD | Education

Subscribe to KevinMD and never miss a story!

Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.


Find jobs at
Careers by KevinMD.com

Search thousands of physician, PA, NP, and CRNA jobs now.

Learn more

Leave a Comment

Founded in 2004 by Kevin Pho, MD, KevinMD.com is the web’s leading platform where physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, medical students, and patients share their insight and tell their stories.

Social

  • Like on Facebook
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Connect on Linkedin
  • Subscribe on Youtube
  • Instagram

ADVERTISEMENT

  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • Why are medical students turning away from primary care? [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Why “do no harm” might be harming modern medicine

      Sabooh S. Mubbashar, MD | Physician
    • How New Mexico became a malpractice lawsuit hotspot

      Patrick Hudson, MD | Physician
    • Why doctors are reclaiming control from burnout culture

      Maureen Gibbons, MD | Physician
    • Why medical schools must ditch lectures and embrace active learning

      Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA | Education
    • Why public health must be included in AI development

      Laura E. Scudiere, RN, MPH | Tech
  • Past 6 Months

    • Why tracking cognitive load could save doctors and patients

      Hiba Fatima Hamid | Education
    • Why are medical students turning away from primary care? [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • What the world must learn from the life and death of Hind Rajab

      Saba Qaiser, RN | Conditions
    • Why “do no harm” might be harming modern medicine

      Sabooh S. Mubbashar, MD | Physician
    • Here’s what providers really need in a modern EHR

      Laura Kohlhagen, MD, MBA | Tech
    • Why flashy AI tools won’t fix health care without real infrastructure

      David Carmouche, MD | Tech
  • Recent Posts

    • Why medical schools must ditch lectures and embrace active learning

      Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA | Education
    • Why helping people means more than getting an MD

      Vaishali Jha | Education
    • How digital tools are reshaping the doctor-patient relationship

      Vineet Vishwanath | Tech
    • Why evidence-based management may be an effective strategy for stronger health care leadership and equity

      Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, MD | Physician
    • Why health care leaders fail at execution—and how to fix it

      Dave Cummings, RN | Policy
    • Residency match tips: Building mentorship, research, and community

      Simran Kaur, MD and Eva Shelton, MD | Education

MedPage Today Professional

An Everyday Health Property Medpage Today
  • Terms of Use | Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
All Content © KevinMD, LLC
Site by Outthink Group

Leave a Comment

Comments are moderated before they are published. Please read the comment policy.

Loading Comments...