Richard Ferguson
asked
Andrew Lafleche:
In order to experience joy, must there be suffering? Sorry for the off-the-wall question, but I'm doing a bit of non-scientific research on the topic with authors. Does it depend on what books young men read for them to become better men?
Andrew Lafleche
Young men become better by their ability to communicate which is exemplified in the books they read. Therein they have examples from an infinite number of situations and characters and adventures and histories with which to experience without ever having to jump on a plane or pick up a sword or taste the death of a loved one. They can read anything, everything, and in the very act of reading become better by the experience. So no, I don't think it depends on what books they read.
I love this passage from Fahrenheit 451:
“The books are to remind us what asses and fool we are. They’re Caeser’s praetorian guard, whispering as the parade roars down the avenue, “Remember, Caeser, thou art mortal.” Most of us can’t rush around, talking to everyone, know all the cities of the world, we haven’t time, money or that many friends. The things you’re looking for, Montag, are in the world, but the only way the average chap will ever see ninety-nine per cent of them is in a book. Don’t ask for guarantees. And don’t look to be saved in any one thing, person, machine, or library. Do your own bit of saving, and if you drown, at least die knowing you were headed for shore.”
Regarding the first part of your question, I'm not sure what you're seeking to discover. The short answer is no. The short answer is also, yes. Do we define day by the absence of night? Are joy and suffering but two sides of the same coin?
I love this passage from Fahrenheit 451:
“The books are to remind us what asses and fool we are. They’re Caeser’s praetorian guard, whispering as the parade roars down the avenue, “Remember, Caeser, thou art mortal.” Most of us can’t rush around, talking to everyone, know all the cities of the world, we haven’t time, money or that many friends. The things you’re looking for, Montag, are in the world, but the only way the average chap will ever see ninety-nine per cent of them is in a book. Don’t ask for guarantees. And don’t look to be saved in any one thing, person, machine, or library. Do your own bit of saving, and if you drown, at least die knowing you were headed for shore.”
Regarding the first part of your question, I'm not sure what you're seeking to discover. The short answer is no. The short answer is also, yes. Do we define day by the absence of night? Are joy and suffering but two sides of the same coin?
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Dec 19, 2024 11:06AM