Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Wisdom in Books

Imagine what it would be like to have conversation with Thomas Jefferson or sit down to dinner with Claude Monet. The idea of getting a peek into these famous minds is very intriguing to me.

Of course, that's not going to happen, but we can gain a little insight into what brilliant minds considered through their writings. Most have left behind some letters, diaries, or other writing that let us glimpse their thoughts. Some of their wisdom is on those pages.

I've always been a reader. My method these days is to check something out of the library first, to see how I like it. If I enjoy it then I buy a copy so I can make notes in it.

Post it note flag pens were made for me. I like to highlight the passages that matter, and flag them to find later. As you can see from this book, I found much worthy of note. It's great to pick up a book like this and, at a glance, see what I considered important when I read it. If I read it again, I'll use a different color because I might find meaning in different things.

If you're wondering what the book is, it's "Care of the Soul" by Thomas Moore. It is one of a very few books I keep within arm's reach of my desk at home.

4 comments:

Editor said...

Thanks Patsy for sharing this graphic reminder of the wisdom in Thomas Moore's Care of the Soul. I think it's a great book, too. If your readers and you are interested in Moore's work, he's offering an e-course through Spirituality & Practice that begins 9 March 2011. I've registered and it would be great to have you share your insights with participants. Please visit http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/ecourses/ecourses.php?id=104&key=tm for a description.

Judith said...

A very worthwhile read!

Isn't it interesting. I never make notes. I want the manuscript always to be new and fresh. Otherwise I might be channeled into an old mindset.

Of course, if I'm making a study those post-its are invaluable.

Patsy Terrell said...

My ADD brain can't hold onto details so I have to make notes - otherwise it just all melts away very quickly!

Patsy Terrell said...

Ordinarily, I wouldn't publish a comment that is a "commercial" for something. But I'm making an exception because it's very reasonably priced at $49.95 and I think would be a very interesting thing to do. It includes some teleconferences with Moore and is worth a closer look. I'm a girl with medical bills and just can't see my way clear for even that modest fee, but it sounds like a wonderful thing to do. I have no connection with this group - they just posted a comment and I went and looked at their link. You can do the same and judge for yourself.