tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010170380967519230.post1811013907111633832..comments2024-03-23T20:37:37.891-07:00Comments on First Known When Lost: HereStephen Pentzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14882220887712092005noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010170380967519230.post-32290711135066391462020-05-01T21:39:21.277-07:002020-05-01T21:39:21.277-07:00Bruce: You are far too kind: I'm not worthy ...Bruce: You are far too kind: I'm not worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as Montaigne. But I do thank you for the thought. I certainly agree with what he says in the passage you quote. What he describes is something I presume we all aspire to. But I can assure you that, for instance, neither "wisdom" nor "constant cheerfulness" are among my qualities! <br /><br />I am like you: doing the equivalent of watching "the sunlight spill on the river birch" in this corner of the country. As you say: "that's all right." I think that's why I've been spending even more time than usual with haiku as the Events unfold: the haiku poets simply (but deeply) report what is, which is more than enough. The rest of it takes care of itself, no matter what we think or do. I agree completely: "I'd like to think the river birch and I know the importance of patience." But, if I may say so, not only patience: gratitude for living in a miraculous World. That never changes.<br /><br />Again, thank you for the kind words, which I do appreciate. I hope that all is well with you and your loved ones. Take care.Stephen Pentzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14882220887712092005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5010170380967519230.post-31053722540544669262020-04-29T12:57:13.972-07:002020-04-29T12:57:13.972-07:00Would you say, sir, that Montaigne's words (po...<br />Would you say, sir, that Montaigne's words (posted below) are consonant with those in your most recent posting? I'd say, though I'm hardly an expert at this baffling thing called life, that both you and Montaigne give good advice in these trying times. The plague may be out there beyond my study window, but right now I watch the sunlight spill on the river birch donning a panoply of green, the window glass between us, but that's all right. As Emily Dickinson recommends, I walk this world with the precarious gait of experience. Outside I wear my mask and I wash my hands often. I'd like to think the river birch and I know the importance of patience.<br /><br />“The soul in which philosophy dwells should by its health make even the body healthy. It should make its tranquillity and gladness shine out from within; should form in its own mold the outward demeanor, and consequently arm it with a graceful pride, an active and joyous bearing, and a contented and good-natured countenance. The surest sign of wisdom is constant cheerfulness.”<br />― Michel de Montaigne,Bruce Floydnoreply@blogger.com