Solitude I very relish. Sometimes I like to be alone just like everyone does. Good friends of mine sometimes tell me that "Hey, you used to be super outgoing and whatnot. How come you've turned less outgoing?" Whenever asked that question, I say "It is because of Norwegian Wood" The author of the book is Murakami Haruki and I have read probably every single work that he has published so far. The commonality of the main protagonists is they are very hermetic, not afraid of and rather enjoys solitude. When I encountered Norwegian Wood, which is the most representative amongst his works, in my early 20''s and had been deeply affected by it.
But I am not trying to talk about Norwegian Wood here. I would like to introuce this book, "Walden" written by Henry David Thoeau. This book is about this guy who one day gets up and decides to distance himself from all the civilization and to live near the pond called "Walden" Thus, he narrates about what it is like to live by himself and re-assess all the commotities and the entities that we live with, such as economy, food and so forth. Taking one gian step back from everything we are so intimate with and thus can not live without, he says that we can live alone. I do not entire agree with his ideas, but do like some of memoralable quotes from the book. What follws is the excerpts from the book. I hope you savor them!- Man is an animal who more than any other can adapt himself to all climates and circumstances.
- We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn, which does not forsake us in our soundest sleep.
- The virtues of a superior man are like the wind; the virturres of a common man are like the grass; the grass, when the wind passes over it, bends.
- If one listens to the faintest but constant suggstions of his genius, whic are certainly true, he sees not to what extremes, or even insanity, it may lead him; and yet that way, as he grows more resolute and faithful, his road lies.
- I believe that water is the only drink for a wise man.
- He who distinguishes the true savour of his food cna never be a glutton; he who does not can not be otherwise.
- ... if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavours to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
- Superflous wealth can buy superfluities only. Money is not required to buy one necessary of the soul.
2 comments:
Solitude.
You know as an only child, solitude is of upmost importance. I think Oh you should understand as well.
As a kid, I had my own room. I had my own toys. I had my own mom and dad. I didn't have to share. In fact, I didn't really have to share my time. Moral of the story: I could play in my room happilly with my toys. :)
I think solitude has its impact on those who really desire it or have grown used to it. Its just I know many people who fear being alone. THEY LITERALLY hate even the thought of it. they feel only alive when they are around others.
For me, as I mention above, I like being alone sometime and I attribute that to my onlychildness characteristic. On a side note, other than in my freshman year of college for three weeks (the girl dropped out of school) the only time I ever had a roommate was at AJOU when I lived with Xi Miow for four months and Julia for three. Crazy eh?)
I do believe that we all need to be alone to reflect for a while regardless who we are and I think those that fear being alone lose out on this important necessity of life. We need to evaluate where we are going... we need to look at our actions. We just need time to think and not be consumed totally in our consumer driven capitalistic lifestyle.
Anyways, thats it for now. Nice quotes. I enjoyed reading them.
Peace
hey! I am also looking forward to Ugly Betty LOL. Since I like Hilda (betty's sister), I am wondering how her love life will turn out LOL Speaking of The Office, I think I have been quite jaded with Jim and Pam couple. I am m... Read Moreore intrigued by the introduction of the new HR person who is interested in Michael who seems to opt for Jenn! And I am also wondering how Dwight is going to react to Andy and his fiance.
Also, let us not beat ourselves for getting hooked onto these shows. Like you said, we don't need to think about anything else but just relish them while laughing out loud. After long hours work, I come and put on these shows and nibble at snacks. And in doing so, I relieve my strees, let alone I still work out everyday.
Sometimes, I wish there were to be someone next to me to laugh at the shows that I like. But for now, I am enjyoing my solitude. Solitude..ah..what a word.
I think you turned out great albeit an only son whereas I am a pompous juggernaut LOL. More often
arrogant and very selfish. But then again, I know many who have siblings and are very mean, greedy and whatnot. So I think I can just chalk my ... Read Morepersonality up to my being an only child. Sometimes it is a real convienet excusel I can just simply say "well i am an only kid and so I am not altriusitic." Ah..i don't know..
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