In Search of Meaning

“The machine has got to be accepted, but it is probably better to accept it rather as one accepts a drug — that is, grudgingly and suspiciously. Like a drug, the machine is useful, dangerous, and habit-forming. The oftener one surrenders to it the tighter its grip becomes.”

It would have been great if we realized this simple truth before wasting our time in every decade blaming the latest “addictive” gadget/tool/machine that has become popular in the public imagination.

4pm

The great enemy of clear language is insincerity.

10am

“Prolonged study of the English language leaves me with a conviction that nearly all the linguistic tendencies of the present day have been displayed in earlier centuries, and it is self-evident that the language has not bled to death through change. Vulgarity finds its antidote; old crudities become softened with time. Distinctions, both those that are useful and those that are burdensome, flourish and die, reflourish and die again.”

This is so true, if you just take a look at the evolution of the word “nice” and “fool” across centuries and the fact that grammatical distinctions such as semi-colon and colon have fallen out of vogue in recent times. But so have, spellings! It will be interesting to watch the language not bleed to death in the current technology context.

1pm

“There are no passengers on spaceship earth. We are all crew.”

We are all crew on Earth, responsible for our directions and destiny, while steering others a bit alongside.

3pm

“It is with words as with sunbeams, the more they are condensed, the deeper they burn.”

There is no further elegance than the word that describes it all!

12pm

“Every one is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody”

I loved this quote. Consiously or unconsciously we try to hide our shortcomings, jealousy, evil thoughts and showcase degrees of goodness, like the moon, to the outside world. But knowing that we have that side and being able to keep them in check, helps each of us be a better person.

6pm

“Reading a book is like rewriting it for yourself. You bring to a novel, anything you read, all your experience of the world. You bring your history and you read it in your own terms.”

It is so true. Can’t help but agree with Angela on this. Each person reading a book can take away something different and it is that quality that brings books to life. I like interpreting books and movies once they are over and realize that the moment we read or see them, they take a shape different from that intended by the author or the director. Care to share any experiences?

3pm

Nations have recently been led to borrow billions for war; no nation has ever borrowed largely for education. Probably, no nation is rich enough to pay for both war and civilization. We must make our choice; we cannot have both

6pm

A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it.

2pm

One can promise actions, but not feelings, for the latter are involuntary. He who promises to love forever or hate forever or be forever faithful to someone is promising something that is not in his power.

1pm