We all have one. We all think we know what it means. “They are so heartless!” one might say. “You have a good heart.”
“They have a heart of stone.”
And that’s to speak nothing of the connotation of handing someone a heart-shaped valentine or sending someone a text with a heart.
We all use it! What is the human heart?
We need to start with the physical. What is it? If any of you have three and a half brain cells or more, you will remember that the way we draw a heart is quite different from how it looks anatomically.
What we think ‘the heart’ is may or may not have something to do with what the physical heart. The physical heart is in your chest, centered between two lungs. It’s made of a special kind of muscle, a muscle that beats from 22 days after your conception until your death, and then perhaps a little more, if you donate it. It’s tough, resilient, and moves a lot of blood. If it fails its job for even minutes, it will kill you.
That perhaps explains why the expression we ascribe to the heart the core of our being, the center of our soul, and the source of our sustenance. It represents the deepest part of who we are, supposedly, and that is why it has a connotation with intimacy too.
The origins of the way we draw hearts are unclear, but there certainly is one explanation that rises above the rest. Ancient Romans and Ancient Greeks both use a plant called “silphium” in their day-to-day life. It had great medicinal properties and tasted good too. But above that, the plant’s pod had natural birth-control properties. Take a closer look at how you draw a heart. Disgusted yet? Good. In this theory, it was cultivated and grown to extinction (not shocking considering the promiscuousness of the Romans and Greeks), but the symbol lived on.
Anatomically and in drawings, we all think the heart to be the seat of our emotions. “You’re using your heart, not your head.”
So what is the human heart? What is its nature?
I submit to you it is horrid, beyond our deepest nightmares. I submit to you that it is rancid and happily walking to the steps to Sheol, the Highway to Hades.
How can I say so? The heart is wicked, above all else. A writer 3500 years ago said, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”
And I agree.
We know we are of one kind, one race, one being. If it were not so, “hybrids” between races like me would result in biological infirmities (of which I have no more than the next person over) and serial killers would have different organs than you or I.
But this isn’t the case. Survey the world, there is no difference we can see between the desperately evil and the not. It is not the shape of the nose, the style of the hair, even the depth of the eyes. The evil we perpetuate seems to infect one person and passes over the next.
You and I are made of the same stuff as Dr. King, and Hitler; Jesus and Stalin; Gandhi and Jack the Ripper. How so? How can it be?
I submit it is the heart. It is the heart! The soul of our being leans towards darkness. You and I are both constantly inundated with temptation after temptation to do something we know to be wrong. And we know what is wrong. Our conscious screams and screeches, and we ignore it all the still. A great evil, or little evil, genocide, or a hatred for a person-they all boil down to this.
Some would like to say it’s education. Lack of money. But we see the “educated” and the “rich” still being wicked themselves. It’s like that Psalm, “For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. Therefore pride is their necklace;”
Our hearts are not even in our control. For do we even control the evil we do? We blunder about and congratulate ourselves for not hurting this person and then unleash on the next, and then justify it. Oh, we justify it because it's only logical. Our heart slowly quiets the yelling voices in our head and it starts redefining the good for your benefit, and evil for your benefit. It is a leech of a thing. It is a horrid beast. It is a hypocritical, lying, monstrous thing that beats in our chests 65 1⁄2 times a minute.
We need a new one.
Works Cited
Andrews, Evan. “Why Does the Heart Shape Symbolize Love?” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 8 Feb. 2016, www.history.com/news/what-is-the-origin-of-the-heart-symbol.
ESV Student Bible. 2011th ed., Crossway, 2011. Psalm 73:4-7
ESV Student Study Bible. 2011th ed., Crossway, 2011. Jeremiah 17:9
Marieb, Elaine Nicpon, and Katja Hoehn. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 11th ed., Pearson Education, Inc., 2019.
I really enjoyed your blog post due to its incredible detail on the heart, specifically the heart in its truest form. People over exaggerate the symbolism of the heart, especially determining a person's character based off the quality of their heart. The way you deconstructed the meaning of the heart was very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI loved how your tone shifted in the text from a calm and informative tone to a more aggressive one.
ReplyDelete- Diana Quintanilla
Hello David! I loved your blog post not only because you didn't take a completely objective approach to the topic of the human heart but also because of your great attention to detail on both the figurative and literal interpretations of the heart. From talking about its importance to the human body's functionality to mentioning well-known sayings such as "You're using your heart, not your head" and talking about it being behind the workings of evil, you captured many aspects to how human beings interpret the human heart. Good job! -Jordan Lin
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the message being expressed through this piece, very nice job!
ReplyDeleteWow. This was nicely written. You did a great job engaging readers. Thank you for sharring.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you first spoke about it literally and switched to its figurative meaning. My favorite part was mentioning that we all have a heart and makes us no different biologically. The most kind hearted and most evil people both have the thing that "allows" us to have feelings and feel empathy, yet not all of us do. - Natalia
ReplyDeleteI found this piece to very interesting. The images you gave of the heart really appealed to me and I found one statement from your work where it spoke about the heart being the core of our being and it represents the deepest parts of who we are most especially relatable. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteI thought that this was an interesting take on the heart and the human capacity to do evil, since "having a big heart" is usually associated with compassion. It was a compelling read. Nice job! -Maia vonHempel
ReplyDeleteYou know, I stopped at this piece of writing because what caught my intention was the word "heart." I enjoy reading about anything having to do with romance and love, and as I kept reading I was taken by surprise. The writing transformed how I regard and perceive the heart as it left me with such an unsettling feeling, although I wanted to read more if it were possible. I loved the unequivocal statement that you closed with: "We need a new one." What a way to captivate the reader not as they read, which you also did in quite an intricate fashion, but in a way that left a lingering thought of self-reflection and possible regret. Thank you!
ReplyDelete- Paola Rodriguez
I liked how you explored the numerous meanings of the word "heart" and your conclusion of the heart meant to you. It gave me a new and interesting perspective of the human heart. Splendid work!
ReplyDelete- Naomi Espiritu Santo
I loved reading your blog especially because you explained the human heart from a completely different approach. The observable switch in your tone from a calm tone to an aggressive one demonstrated the point of view you were coming from. I really like how you mentioned that everyone has a similar heart identically which is a similarity we all share. Overall, I loved the way you broke down the meaning of the heart to demonstrate a different approach to view the human heart. - Arnav Singh
ReplyDeleteThis piece is really interesting. I like how you took something the world views as a symbol of love on the outside and analyzed it for what it really is.
ReplyDelete-Nora Mahmoud
I really enjoyed the way you combined the literal meaning of a heart and the connotation of having a heart. Not only did you describe the way a heart functions but you used it to provide evidence that we are all biologically made the same yet are still so different. You went further to support this by comparing two completely different personalities of important historical figures which really emphasized your point. Well done! - Edana Avila
ReplyDeleteThis was a very interesting and important blog to read about. One that is very relatable to a lot of people and one that I think should be shared and read by everyone educating them about the human hearts true form. - Daniel Boehl
ReplyDeleteI found your piece very interesting because when we think of heart, we think of love and affection. your piece showed me the dark symbolism also associated with heart. It's very eye opening. Good job!
ReplyDelete-Hrishika Reddy Nanamala
I enjoyed reading your piece very much! I think it is an interesting perspective of the human heart, and I especially loved how you put the names of two very different people beside each other to show how all us humans have something in common. At the end of the day we all are just skin and bones right? It also comes up during my shower thoughts too, "where did we get the drawing of a heart from?" I am glad that you brought up how anatomically, the heart looks a lot different from the usual drawn heart: "<3." I admired the use of quotes as well and how they were from ages ago. Great work! - Chloe Baronia
ReplyDeleteThis was really interesting. You started from the origin of the heart name and shape and then evolve to show your opinion on the heart and soul. I really liked how you pondered how evil affects some and not others and the heart is the root of it all. I agree the emotions of the "heart" can corrupt and lead to evil. I also liked how you made sure to show that biologically we are all the same no matter the evil we commit. Very interesting to read! - Benjamin Carson
ReplyDeleteI found this piece to be amazing! Åt first glance you wouldn't think it would draw you in but the diction you used really made this piece come together. I loved it!
ReplyDeleteThis piece gives me another perspective on how others view the human heart. I thought it would be symbolized as an emotional part of our body, yet this piece goes into detail of what it really represents. Great work!
ReplyDeleteI loved your piece! The origin of the heart symbol was very interesting because I had never heard that before. Your observations about the heart being the source of our corruption and hatred were very insightful. It was very interesting to see the negative effects the heart can have on us. Awesome piece! -Isabel DeVille
ReplyDeleteI thought this work was funny but very informative! It gave me the facts and the blatant honesty, I liked reading it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog, you did a great job with symbolism. We tend to always think of the heart as love but in your piece you showed us the heart can also represent some dark symbolism as well. You did an amazing job on your piece!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed how you incorporated bits and pieces of knowledge to make your blog more interesting and I like how you defy the usual way most people look at the heart as a symbol. - Luke Phillips
ReplyDeleteI loved how you brought in quotes and facts yet you still questioned them. This made me think of something someone told me about a drawn heart, that it represents to anatomically shaped hearts put together. I also like how you brought in good and evil, and how we are all the same, the thing that detritus it is if we give into the bad temptations, great piece. -Nia Martin
DeleteOh my goodness I really loved this! I can tell that there is certainly a powerful command of diction in this piece! You provided a really good different opinion on the nature of the human heart that was thought provoking and supported with a well researched argument which is very refreshing to see. Great job, David!!
ReplyDelete-Aubrey Peterson
Hi David! I really loved the way you employed powerful diction in this piece and that you gave a refreshing new perspective on the nature of the human heart. I love how you backed up your argument with well researched points and wrote this despite society's perception of hearts. You did really well, so congratulations! :)
ReplyDeleteWoah... I genuinely enjoyed the journey in this writing. From the exploration of where our ideal of the heart came from to the investigation of our hearts effects upon us. This piece really explored our ideology and thoughts on the existence of the heart. INCREDIBLE work Mr. Danforth
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how you went INTO depth of the heart and without our heart it will kill us in minutes. Very interesting how you included "Our hearts are not even in our control" which is true but even without us being able to control our heart it is still very fragile. Loved how you revealed the darkness of the heart. -Brianna Cordova
ReplyDeleteI loved your piece, it was both informative and eye opening the way you described the human heart physically and in different prospective both light and dark. -Zoe W
ReplyDeleteThe subject of this poem is awesome. I started reading this as an assignment but finished it with genuine enjoyment. I loved how you took this concept and developed it so much that it became truly intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThis piece was very captivating, and above all, eye opening. Through the usage of allusions, factual evidence, and analogies, I was able to be introduced to a new perspective of thinking that has made me realize just how deceitful the heart could be, instead of this loved, admirable image society creates. Overall, the piece gave me the opportunity to see a new way of thinking that I thoroughly appreciated. -Marissa Rivera
ReplyDeleteI loved how you brought in quotes and facts yet you still questioned them. This made me think of something someone told me about a drawn heart, that it represents to anatomically shaped hearts put together. I also like how you brought in good and evil, and how we are all the same, the thing that detritus it is if we give into the bad temptations, great piece. -Nia Martin
ReplyDeleteI loved how you brought in quotes and facts yet you still questioned them. This made me think of something someone told me about a drawn heart, that it represents to anatomically shaped hearts put together. I also like how you brought in good and evil, and how we are all the same, the thing that detritus it is if we give into the bad temptations, great piece. -Nia Martin
ReplyDeleteWow. This was a very insightful and complex piece. It's not common for those at our age to both spot and develop such a deep point of contention in a literary sense. Your hook was excellent and was very effective at drawing in readers, clearly proven by the sheer number of comments on your piece. The sharp contrast in tone in your essay was also very impressive and admirable. This was awesome, David! -Andrew Soliman
ReplyDeleteHi David, I really enjoyed reading your post. The repetition of the rhetorical question "What is the human heart?" really added to the nature of your poem. I also liked how you contrasted both the symbolic significance and literal definition of the human heart. - Somi Nebedum
ReplyDeleteYour writing is amazing David! You incorporated a lot of information but it all worked together to create a story. I love how your writing went in a completely opposite direction than what was expected. It was a super interesting point of view and I loved everything you said. Great job!!(:
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this and it was enticing to read. I loved how you used various sources and evidence from the past to backup your details and I was able to get a look at the past and truly just examine my heart as well. - Deisha Son
ReplyDeleteGreat job with detail and incorporating much information. I did not expect how deeply this would affect me and have myself think more of what my heart is capable of. Made me realize the good and bad of the sensitivity hearts acquire. - kayla cecilio
ReplyDeleteYour approach towards understanding the human heart as well as your perspective revolving around evil within all human beings was incredibly intriguing and really made your post gripping. You are an incredibly strong writer as demonstrated through your clear descriptions of the Ancient Roman and Ancient Greeks given meanings to the symbol of the heart as well as your explanation regarding how human wickedness continues to exist in all of us. I thoroughly enjoyed your post because it granted new perspectives on the human perception of the heart as it is a sign of intimacy and love yet also the source that pushes humans to start and continue evil acts.
ReplyDelete-Keilan Hooper
This piece caught my eye, and the overall experience was so interesting and insightful! I really like how you incorporated the literal definition of the human heart alongside the symbol the heart has become. You mentioned facts and biblical quotes, as well as insights and common knowledge, and yet you still managed to question their truth and introduce a new perspective that usually isn't spoken about. Your entire piece kept my attention during my read, and it was very captivating. Good job, David! - Angelique Maylad
ReplyDeleteI really like the way that you expanded on such a seemingly small topic and really showed the different perspectives, from looking at it rationally and factually to a more intrinsic level of understanding of the heart, as well i liked how you pondered over the ideas and beliefs of temptations and evils to show how even though the heart is used to describe love and kindness most of the time, we are all at a level where we can be evil in our own capacity
ReplyDeleteYou always find ways to make me fear the simple thing in my life David. You found a way for me to see the strongest and central muscle in my body as a lovecraftian horror from within. Perhaps not in a rip my guts out kind of way, but a psychological torment kind of way. - Tyler Vidal
ReplyDeleteI found your writing to be extremely interesting. The tone shifts, rhetorical questions, and the details to the heart made this absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed the history and facts that you put into the work as well. I think most people need to sit back and examine their heart for it pureness. Overall great job! -Jaylin Tillman
ReplyDeleteThis was very nicely written. I love the fact that you went deeper than the societal image of what a heart means & by doing so you were able to share with us your own interpretation of such. Thank you so much for sharing, great job ! - Destinye Jones
ReplyDeleteThe piece was extremely well-thought and organized. You began by explaining the nature of the physical heart, went on to explain how humans use the heart, then explained how the symbolic heart was introduced, and finally explained your message of the reality of what the heart truly is. The shift into a dark tone was also very unexpected (especially with the positive connotation behind the heart) and made me want to continue reading.
ReplyDelete- Donna Laan
This piece is very intriguing. It is filled to the brim with details, and it beautifully combines the objective, the factual parts of the heart with the subjective, the inner meanings of the heart.
ReplyDelete-Gannon Smith
Very good writing. It was pretty eye opening to say the least. I felt like I really understood how you felt when writing this. Overall, good job! - Jacob Meneses
ReplyDeleteDavid, this was so fun to read! I love your comedic approach at describing a physical human heart and the illustration of one. Also, the way you wrapped up your piece with a beautiful message of how we are all made the same but with different amounts of evil was amazing. Great work! - Devin Davis
ReplyDeleteThe flow of this piece is amazing. It takes ideas of the heart apart and slowly shifts your ideas on what its meaning is to different with initially a bright tone to a darker tone towards the end. You did a really good job! - Caden Minniefield
ReplyDeleteI personally connected to this piece and found it very emotional. I love the flow of the writing you had a clear point and made me feel tons of emotion. Love this, great job! - Csea Wagner
ReplyDeleteThroughout my reading, your whole piece had my focus, and it was really captivating.tAs I was reading I saw some observations that I wanted to point out, you listed statistics and historical quotations, and then you also continued to challenge the reality and add a new viewpoint that is generally not talked about. It is really crazy to think what our body does for us and at the end how we treat our bodies is what really matters.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was reading this piece I could not seem to take my eyes off or stop reading. I thought it was beautifully written and the words that you chose to use just made the piece flow so well. Your imagery of the heart anatomically contributed to the contrast of the heart connected to our feelings and soul and then our heart that pumps blood throughout our whole body and is necessary for life. Very well written. - Darlene Cuevas
ReplyDeleteI love the description of the human heart,it was written in great details. I love how there were quotes of the heart in his piece which is emotion,“They have a heart of stone” not everyone you meet has a good heart. Great work! -Chinaza Obi
ReplyDeleteI truly love this piece, I love how you dive deep into the philosophy of the heart, bringing in the psalms and proverbs that you agree with. I'm a firm believer of keeping your mind over your heart, which is something that is very hard to do at times, but is very important.
ReplyDelete-Dwayne S