but always hear the cheerful flow of remarks
made by dead writers so much more intelligent than we”
– Joseph Epstein
From the earliest times, we have tried to communicate, though the earliest efforts consisted of not much more than grunts and facial expressions. The long, slow development of language was one of the most important stages in human evolution. It’s one of the things that separates us from all other creatures on this planet.
Fast-forward to the modern era. Now we can write down our thoughts and commit them to a permanency that allows one generation to benefit from the achievements of its forebears.
Not all of what’s written down, of course, is of lasting value. Some of it, to be sure, is best forgotten. But of the good stuff, there is amongst it sometimes a spark of genius, or uncommon insight, that simply begs to be shared.
And here we are, at yet another page that brings together and memorialises some of those shards of brilliance from a firmament that’s often otherwise overcast. Settle back for a while and immerse yourself in the thoughts of some of the world’s great thinkers … and a few others who slipped in when no-one was looking.
This is a typically unique way of looking at things. If Edward de Bono were a chef, he’d be celebrated as one of the world’s great chefs. He brings insight and uniqueness into play, and what he creates delights the mind, in the same way a great meal delights the tastebuds.
Every man can be left a gibbering wreck in the company of great beauty. The memory remains, of course, but as Mr. Bolitho implies, it is often no more than a vague and compelling series of impressions. This war of the sexes … it’s just not being played fair really, is it?
Great advice from a great writer and a great survivor.
I could fill pages with Mark Twain’s wit and wisdom. He also said the only difference between a taxman and a taxidermist is the taxidermist leaves the skin!
The truly rich moments in life are indeed … moments. Maybe we should strive to savour exceptional moments using as many senses as possible; sometimes just an aroma or a particular, long-forgotten sound can bring back a rush of memories that were only moments in the making.
Oh, I remember so many of those wonderful days … or are they just prototype ‘memories’, manufactured in the recesses of the mind for later reproduction, of ideal days that were, maybe only or twice, just absolutely perfect …
I agree … I think …
Nice way of putting it. And we all know how important it is to keep the fridge clean and hygienic, and the cupboards free of clutter.
It’s true, what happened to you made you who you are – why hide from it or pretend it never happened.
Incidentally, Miss Loren is surely one of those women William Bolitho was talking about (see the quote above) … a woman of truly uncommon beauty.
How well a thought can be expressed, and in so few words.