“Work destroys your soul by stealthily invading your brain during the hours not officially spent working; be selective about professions.”
― The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms
― The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms
“The soul doesn’t die,” he said. “She becomes a stranger. She thinks bad is good. She gets bored inside us. She imagines what doesn’t exist and promises what never will exist.”
― Soul
― Soul
“I think boredom is the beginning of every authentic act. (...) Boredom opens up the space, for new engagements. Without boredom, no creativity. If you are not bored, you just stupidly enjoy the situation in which you are.”
―
―
“Facing Wine
Never refuse wine. I'm telling you,
people come smiling in spring winds:
peach and plum like old friends, their
open blossoms scattering toward me,
singing orioles in jade-green trees,
and moonlight probing gold winejars.
Yesterday we were flush with youth,
and today, white hair's an onslaught.
Bramble's overgrown Shih-hu Temple,
and deer roam Ku-su Terrace ruins:
it's always been like this, yellow dust
choking even imperial gates closed
in the end. If you don't drink wine,
where are those ancient people now?”
―
Never refuse wine. I'm telling you,
people come smiling in spring winds:
peach and plum like old friends, their
open blossoms scattering toward me,
singing orioles in jade-green trees,
and moonlight probing gold winejars.
Yesterday we were flush with youth,
and today, white hair's an onslaught.
Bramble's overgrown Shih-hu Temple,
and deer roam Ku-su Terrace ruins:
it's always been like this, yellow dust
choking even imperial gates closed
in the end. If you don't drink wine,
where are those ancient people now?”
―
Fred’s 2025 Year in Books
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