L.
I wondered if Abraham really had made a hash of life. Is to do what you want, to live under the conditions that please you, in peace with yourself, to make a hash of life; and is it success to be an eminent surgeon with ten thousand a year and a beautiful wife? I suppose it depends on what meaning you attach to life, the claim which you acknowledge to society, and the claim of the individual. But again I held my tongue, for who am I to argue with a knight?
L'élégance du hérisson
I'm currently reading this novel: the Elegance of the Hedgehog. A hilarious book centered around the profound thoughts of 12-year old Paloma as well as the middle-aged concierge, Renée, living in the same Paris building. I haven't read all yet, but so far Barbery has amazed me with her beautiful use of language and how surprisingly easy it is at times to relate to much of both protagonists' stories. Makes you really think. Like this:
“I thought: pity the poor in spirit who know neither the enchantment nor the beauty of language."
“People aim for the stars, and they end up like goldfish in a bowl. I wonder if it wouldn't be simpler just to teach children right from the start that life is absurd.”
“I find this a fascinating phenomenon: the ability we have to manipulate ourselves so that the foundation of our beliefs is never shaken.”
“The real ordeal is not leaving those you love but learning to live without those who don't love you.”
“Do you know that it is in your company that I have had my finest thoughts?”
I've realized I have so many books I have started to read, but never finished. My lack of patience is no excuse, so, I decided that - starting with the Elegance of the Hedgehog - I'm going to finish all these books ( + a few others I haven't read yet, such as Anna Karenina) and awaken the almost forgotten book worm within me. Let the reading spree begin.