Reading Challenge

[Jim]

since meg was at 660 in W&P, a few parts that interested me earlier in the book

1 - Vol. 2,part 2, chapter 2, 4th page approximately is the following said by the freemason to Pierre (page 380 in my book -translation by Briggs)

"The highest wisdom is founded not on reason alone, not on the worldly sciences - physics, history, chemistry and the like - into which intellectual knowledge is divided. the highest wisdom is one. the highest wisdom knows only a single science - the science of the whole, the science that explains the whole of creation and the place of mankind within it. In order to assimilate this science it is necessary to purify and renew the inner self, and so, before we can know, we must have faith and be made perfect. And for the attainment of these aims we have had implanted into our souls the light of God, which is called the conscience."



I'm not much for religion but I love the expression about having the light of God be implanted into our souls and be our conscience.

the phrasing is great and the message about how our conscience is an essential part of our being, is a light and comes from somewhere is just such a great way to bring up the question of where does our individual concept of right and wrong come from.

I have no idea but like to think that good and evil are based on how illogical and self defeating to do an evil act, even a bad act, is while doing a good act makes our lives better if analyzed properly.

if this is of any interest to any of You, tell me what You think

[Meg]

The Alchemist - Paul Coelho

This book takes place in Spain and Ethiopia. I can't believe how much I liked this book. There were so many "pearls of wisdom". It is so beautifully written in a simplistic manner but it will just make you smile.

[Meg]

In case you are all interested. If you go to the explore tab there is a poll on Russian authors/books. It is impressive, especially if someone wants to go to Russia and/or revisit.

I was very interested in the Freemasons and how that has shaped Pierre's role in the book and his standing with others.

As far as your reference to religion, it sounds like the basic belief of Quakerism that God is within.

Two quotes from Prince Andrei that I loved:

1. Take no prisoners. That alone would change the whole war and make it less cruel.

2. It is like the lady who swoons when she sees a calf slaughtered. She's so kindly, she can't bear the sight of blood, but she eats the same calf in sauce with great appetite

[Meg]

Jim
What did you think of the Freemasons? I am enjoying their philosophies and how it is molding Pierre. I am liking him more and more.

[Meg]

I am packing my bags and getting ready to leave Cuba, through Waiting for Snow in Havana. It wasn't quite what I was looking for. The book was fun, made me laugh but I was looking for more about the escape from Cuba to leave Castro's regime. There was very little about that. You certainly got a lot of information about what life was like in Cuba for the wealthy. A good glimpse of the family and the strong role that the church had on the family. When they arrived in America life was difficult but they didn't go into it in depth, it was all written very light. I think I would have preferred a more serious attempt to writing here. It is amazing that with all this author went through he was able to graduate an Ivy League college and become a full professor. I wanted to learn more about that.

[Meg]

I just got back from Hong Kong with The Piano Teacher by Janice Lee. It takes place during WWII (1942/1943) Deals with love, adultry,bigotry, internment. It alternates between 1943 and 1953 which makes it a tad confusing. It was interesting to learn about the Japanese takeover. It was an okay book,not exactly what I was looking for.