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In the year 532, the emperor Justinian stood gazing at the smoking ruins of Constantinople’s patriarchal church that had just been burned to the ground by riots. As the leader of the Byzantine empire, he wanted to build a cathedral that would surpass the glory of its predecessor, but also be a stunning place of worship and a testament to the beauty and creativity of the Byzantine tradition.
The natural choice to take on such a monumental task would have been a team of architects who had experience with this kind of project. But instead, Justinian chose two mathematicians named Isidore and Anthemius.
They had not been formally trained in architecture, but their skills in math and science would be the key that helped them organize the logistics to finish a construction project the likes of which the Eastern empire had never seen.
The church was called Hagia Sophia, which is Greek for “holy wisdom.” It was built in just five years and still stands as the crowning masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. The most striking feature is its central dome, which is 106 feet in diameter and seems to float in the air because it is built over square walls, unlike the Roman Parthenon, which features a dome over circular walls.
The Hagia Sophia also features glittering mosaics, carved elements, and colored marble. When Justinian entered the finished building, he exclaimed that he triumphed over Solomon.
What if Isidore and Anthemius had refused the opportunity to design and build the Hagia Sophia. What if they would have said, “We’ve never done that before?” They would have missed the best opportunity of their lives. But instead of shrinking back in fear, they rose to the challenge and gave us a masterpiece of architecture that is still standing after 1,500 years.
What are the opportunities and challenges you are facing today as a writer? Are you intimidated by a book project? Afraid of sending your proposal to an agent? Scared and intimidated by the mere thought of putting your work out there?
Productivity expert Michael Hyatt said, “The most interesting things in life happen just on the other side of your comfort zone.” Everything you ever wanted as a writer lies outside the comfort zone where you now live. It’s time to expand your borders, stop letting fear hold you back, and believe in yourself and your abilities.
And who knows? Maybe one day, 1,500 years from now, somebody will be reading that book you have yet to write.