So, I didn't think I would get much out of this book the second time around. The idea of revised and expanded editions amuse me like "live" ...moreSo, I didn't think I would get much out of this book the second time around. The idea of revised and expanded editions amuse me like "live" albums for musicians...just a way to get more money.
You know what though...this book held up and kept on giving.
Wild at hear has the uncanny ability to get a man pumped up about being a man...and living life to its fullest because of it. It challenges you to be dangerous and take on that adventure you have been afraid of up to this point.
The additional content was great at explaining how to implement this. I mean the daily prayer is super long...not something I think I could do ever day...but it does stir the heart.
Every Christian man would be better after reading this book, in fact I shudder to think what great works of God could be done if every Christian man acted in their fullness.
Now, I do rate this book a 3, because compared to a novel or other non fictional books...it is good...but not great. I think it can cause greatness but I got tired of the author quoting other men...it felt like my old college papers. I get it, but I want his thoughts more than those other men...I've read them before. Show me something new!
His stories can also be a bit "thick" in terms of what he was feeling at the time. I don't know anybody that actually tells stories in that matter in real life...in text...sure but not in real life. Talk to me like I am in front of you John.
An amazing author none-the-less that gives us intellectual guys a masculine leg to stand on...good work, now onward! (less)
“Dear friend do no speak like a coward. Have we got the better of so many dangers and travele...more**spoiler alert** From the Forest Journey
“Dear friend do no speak like a coward. Have we got the better of so many dangers and traveled so far, to turn back at last? You, who are tried in wars and battles, hold close to me now and you will feel no fear of death; keep beside me and your weakness will pass, the trembling will leave your hand. Would my friend rather stay behind? No, we will go down together into the heart of the forest. Let your courage be roused by the battle to come; forget death and follow me, a man resolute in action, but one who is not foolhardy. When two go together each will protect himself and shield his companion, and if they fall they leave an enduring name.” Gilgamesh
“I am weak, my arms have lost their strength, the cry of sorrow sticks in my throat, I am oppressed by idleness” Enkidu to Gilgamesh
From The Search for Everlasting Life
“Now that I have toiled and strayed so far over the wilderness, am I to sleep, and let the earth cover my head for ever? Let my eyes see the sun until they are dazzled with looking. Although I am no better than a dead man, still let me see the light of the sun.” Gilgamesh
I just finished reading the Epic of Gilgamesh as part of the “Lifetime Reading List”. I have read a lot of the books on the list, but mainly so I could write an essay or pass a test. There is a lot of good wisdom & motivation to get out of the classics so I see value in reading them again..oh and some for the first time.
As part of this endeavor I will be sharing with the online world my favorite quotations of each classic. I don’t feel qualified to critique or review the classics, but I think I have enough intelligence to at least recognize greatness.
The above quotes represent three very different ideas to me.
The first quote, which actually comes after the second one, is one of inspiration and motivation. To me this could easily be coming from the lips of a captain to his men or a coach to his team. It speaks to the importance of working together with your close friends to overcome great evils and trials. I found it spine-tingling if I can be so forward.
The second quote is an interesting take in terms of what drives the passion and hearts of men. When Enkidu was left to be idle in civilization he became weak and depressed. I think the writers of this piece (I am sure there were many before we got this edition) recognized that men need adventure to truly live. They need to stare down death and achieve great things or they will shrivel up.
These need not be physical deeds only, they could represent a writer finally finishing that novel, or a politician winning the race, whatever it is it requires the person to be fearful of it at first…but go on with courage anyway. The battle of Humbaba was a perfect example of this, even if they name of the monster is kind of humerus.
The third is just simply a great man realizing his mortality. Not able to achieve everlasting life he seeks at least a favor from the gods to see the light of the sun. He fears the darkness of death, like we all do at points in our life. I found it intriguing that the writers of this put such a humble notion into their hero…but like all writers I think they were working out their own fears in this story. Wishing and hoping that if they just did enough amazing deeds they wouldn’t have to deal with death. I think that is something all humans deal with, and why this epic is still relevant to us modern day folk. Give it a read I think you will enjoy it.
Do you have a favorite quote from this Epic? Let me know. Send me a tweet @combsy.(less)
Great book from a great blogger. Darren Rowse takes you through the in's and out's of starting a blog and how to make it successful. Will it guarantee...moreGreat book from a great blogger. Darren Rowse takes you through the in's and out's of starting a blog and how to make it successful. Will it guarantee you a bunch of money or fame, no, but it will make you a better blogger.
I think it is required reading for anyone with a blog, it certainly would make the internet a better place. Just imagine...well thought out, useful, semi-frequent posts. I like that idea.
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