Home
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
- Details
- Written by: Jim
- Category: Literature
- Hits: 51
When I was growing up, I saw this book on a shelf in the basement. I'd always thought to read it but never did. Until I was remided of it by listening to a Tim Ferriss podcast.
The story follows the life of Siddhartha from a youthful optimist, to a more elderly pragmatist. I found many of the chapters so familiar to situations in my life. Siddhartha fights with his father to leave home and strike out in a non-standard manner. His friend, Govinda, has similar, but not identical experiences. Again, very true to life. His life seems to arc as he learns and aspires. Then, as he ages, he chooses the 'easy' life. How many people go this route. Me included.
The story of Siddhartha's son was very thought-provoking. How easy it is to put blinders on someone's actions when that person is close to you. I wish there was a chapter reconciling Siddhartha to his father. I think that would have been telling.
For a story that's based in a culture that's half way around the world, Hesse brought home to me the universal struggles all men face. How to become a man, how to best aspire to what we can achieve, what is important in life, and what can be discarded?
Twelfth Night
- Details
- Written by: FDD10
- Category: Literature
- Hits: 83
Which character of this play is the hero? Everyone of these characters has tremendous flaws. The Duke, Olivia -- the nobility show some concern about their underlings,
The twin heros of the story, Sebastian and Cesario, are both noble, but are somewhat deceptive and needy.
Antonio, the sailor, has his sins, but he is a good-hearted man. he risks his life to help a friend.
The fool, is a knowledgeble thespian, but seems like a alcohol depandent rouge. He has a more noble bearing the Toby. Who enables the mischevious prank that causes Malevolo to be emprisioned and eventually removed from the court. His Puritan disposition, while understandable, does not allow him to bully Toby and his band of rogues. That being said, Mary and Toby should not have bullied him -- and one can only conclude Malvolio is the most poorly-treated of all the characters.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
- Details
- Written by: FDD10
- Category: Literature
- Hits: 82
A sentence per chapter...
1. We are introduced to the main character, Okonkwo, and given a brief history of Umuofia and a glimpse of its customs.
2. A threat of war with Mbaino and the arrival of Ikemefuna.
3. We learn of Okonkwo\'s work ethic. He is manly and will not stand for laziness.
Berlin Marathon -- September, 2025
- Details
- Written by: FDD10
- Category: Social
- Hits: 39
A friend is running in the Berlin Marathon next month. He's run New York, Chicago, and has plans on running all the big ones (e.g. Toyko, Boston). It's a blessing to accompany his wife and son on the trip. There are six or seven of us going to help support. After the marathon, we'll re-visit places we haven't been to in decades. My wife and I really enjoyed Germany in 1995 -- except for the surprise Liver and Onions meal I was served. It is a beautiful country with very hospitable people. We won't make it to the Octoberfest in Munich this time -- that's a young man's game. We've gained some wisdom and will stick to the smaller celebrations. We\'re hoping to see our daughter who lives in Ireland and friends in Amsterdam. Praying the weather is as we remember in late September.
Page 2 of 3