Show, don’t tell. I have always been taught that this is the key to writing well.
You don’t need to bribe people with grand statements. Take them on an intelligent journey of discovery, which will hopefully bring you all to the same place.
In fact, it is a principle that can be applied to almost every aspect of life – from the world of work to parenting.
It’s the difference between someone telling you they love you via pointless gestures – and showing they care through constant daily actions, large and small.
It is the difference between politicians that make empty promises or change their policies.
It is essentially industrious authenticity versus empty grandstanding. It is, in my opinion, the most important test of character and maturity.
Prince William’s Time To Walk Podcast is a great example.
Everything about it, from the concept to the simplicity and sincerity of its execution – and the fact that Apple is making a six-figure donation to charity on his behalf – reinforces the impression of the Duke of Cambridge as someone who understands the crucial difference between superficial sentiment and meaningful action.
You can expect respect from people, but you have to earn it.
Show, and not tell others around you (in this case it includes millions of British citizens who look up to the Monarchy as guidance and inspiration), why you are worthy of your place in the world.
It was no surprise that he has achieved this feat. Walking through the Norfolk countryside for 38 minutes, we discover what many Royal-watchers recently realized: William is real.
SARAH VINE – There is a great intimacy in his words. He talks with charm about his life, his experiences with Air Ambulance Service, his childhood memories, and his singing to Tina Turner while being driven to school. (Pictured are Prince William and Kate Middleton walking last January.
He is an extraordinarily well-rounded person, one who embraces and not wears the title of Royalty. A man with an acute understanding and compassion for the challenges and responsibilities of his position, and a deep and genuine connection to others.
One who is able to recognize his weaknesses and attempts to fix them.
He is aware that things weren’t always easy for him. His brother and he share the same trauma, having lost his mother young.
He is aware, however, that his struggles may seem minor in comparison to those of others.
It is because of his self-awareness that he instills so much empathy. You can feel empathy for him when he talks openly about anxiety and the difficulties he faced.
Although he doesn’t request our sympathies, he does receive it.
This is largely because he doesn’t show any self-pity. There is no anger or need to hurt. A calmness that is remarkably free of clichés and woke talk.
It’s easy to feel a connection with him, his stories are full of warmth and humor. He talks candidly about his past experiences with Air Ambulance Service, his school days, his mom driving him back to school, while singing Tina Turner to their ears.
It is interesting that, while talking about his family, he never mentions the Duchess Of Cambridge by name.
However, she does not need to be. His positive influence on his life and her impact are unmistakable.
He says that she is present in every gap between each syllable.
The podcast is filled with many emotions, including the Prince’s fond memories of his grandmother and his father, and his experiences flying helicopters.
He’s always sweet, even though those times may appear bittersweet. I have to go, unfortunately, to Harry.
Poor Harry seems to be the exact opposite. William may have been shaped by his experiences into an intelligent, noble person, but Harry appears to have had the reverse effect.
Where William is funny, self-deprecating, down-to-earth, philosophical about life’s trials, Harry – as we have seen time and again over the course of the past few months – is peevish, self-obsessed, grandstanding.
Enraged at what he believes to be injustices done to him by his family members and the free press, he is furious that they refuse to believe in his new branding of himself as Prince of Woke or his wife, Duchess, of Sussex as victims of horrible injustice.
It is impossible to see the stark contrast between Harry and William’s approaches. This brief glimpse into William’s personality provides the best explanation for why the brother relationships have become so difficult.
William was a sensible and thoughtful man. However, William’s brother is uncontrollable and seems to have no regard for the feelings of anyone but his.
A never-ending catalogue of complaints, a whiny, self-pitying narrative in which everyone else – from his father to palace officials – is responsible for his supposed woes.
SARAH VIEN: Tell, but don’t show. This, as I learned from my teachers, was the foundation of writing success. In fact, it is a principle that can be applied to almost every aspect of life – from the world of work to parenting… Prince William’s Time To Walk podcast provides a great example.
Harry is adamantly furious at everyone and only breaks from it when he virtue-signals about Meghan and his general saintliness via the medium of his ‘friends.
A saintliness which, strangely, never seems to be backed up by much concrete evidence – not unless you count swanning around New York promoting Meghan’s book, or hopping on private jets to deliver hypocritical homilies about the evils of climate change.
Prince Harry, on the principle of tell not show, is all telling. Although he tells us that he loves his grandmother, his actions clearly show the opposite.
Why would he be such a bother to her over the last year? He has prevented her from seeing her great-grandchildren and accused the Royal Family, being racist. This caused drama at her 70-year-old husband’s funeral.
In practical terms, he has shown none of the characteristics – kindness, understanding, generosity –that he so loudly claims to possess, while demonstrating all those – vindictiveness, anger, venality (note, he is being paid millions for his podcasts) – that he allegedly despises. It’s not fair, I know.
Everybody has experienced trauma at some point in their lives. How you allow it to shape your life is the real test.
You can allow this to make you an angry person who pushes away their family members, or who makes themselves a victim and blames endless others for their failures.
Or, you can accept it. Then move on and take responsibility for yourself without trying to blame others.
You can make something out of any adversity.
William is doing exactly what he did. This is not an easy route and certainly not the fastest.
Maybe he’s the luckier brother, as he appears to have found Kate his life partner. Meghan presses all Harry’s buttons, making Harry feel ever more jaded. Or it might be luck. It may also be wisdom.
However, the rare peek into the thoughts of a future King shows us that no matter what obstacles may be encountered, he will continue to walk the correct path.
Harry might be able to follow his brother’s lead and find some measure of his own.