The quotes: "A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer." —Bruce Lee (1940-73)
"Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself."
—Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977)
"I wasn't born a fool. It took work to get this way." —Danny Kay (1913-87)
I'm afraid to admit the three mile mountain bike train commute on the 2nd was the first of the year. That is a rather late start on fuel conservation for the year—my apologies to the environment (and to my waistline).
The quote: "Peace is not an abscence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice." —Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677)
The sentiment above is an important one. If it were more widely embraced—if it became the core of man's (mankind's) motivation to act—it would certainly dampen the rage that leads to war in the first place. As a comfort in a time of war, however, it fails as any piece of rhetoric is doomed to withstand that level of violence. I'd simply rather have my peace without war. Still, I'll tuck the idea away and try to protect it from encroaching cynicism, and I'll hope to see it blossom some day.
The quote: "Cheese—milk's leap toward immortality." —Clifton Fadiman (1904-1999)
The news (which I acquired on the elevator at work during lunch via the Captivate [or captive] network): Lloyd Brown, the last U.S. Navy veteran of WWI passed away today (the 29th). He was 105.
Thank you, Mr. Brown, for your years of service to the United States. Thank you, also, to all the veterans and active service men and women.
The quote: "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails." —Bertha Calloway
This quote would have worked a bit better on the next day's spread. Oh well, you never know how these things are going to work out.
3 comments:
I particularly liked your commentary on the Spinoza quote. Very well put!! Like the binder detail in your date book and the jester's hat. You're really growing as an artist, Nan!!
I really enjoy how you are using your date book. And, hey one bike ride is more than I have taken this year....congratulations on it! May many more follow.
Thanks, Aunt Peg. I guess my art still needs a bit of work that binder detail is actually a mast. I think I should have beefed up the detail on the sail. Tee hee.
Spinoza's quote seemed to come from a place of hopelessness and frustration. A place we find ourselves in today. For him the 30 Years War raged at the beginning of his life and only came to an end in 1648. I liked the optimism of it—the personal empowerment of it.
Suzanne, I appreciate the kind words. This datebook represents the longest commitment that I've made to a medium. I really find myself wanting to continue instead of growing bored or frustrated with it. Thanks.
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