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Gary
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“Where am I, or what? From what causes do I derive my existence, and to what condition shall I return? ... I am confounded with all these questions, and begin to fancy myself in the most deplorable condition imaginable, environed with the deepest darkness, and utterly deprived of the use of every member and faculty.
Most fortunately it happens, that since Reason is incapable of dispelling these clouds, Nature herself suffices to that purpose, and cures me of this philosophical melancholy and delirium, either by relaxing this bent of mind, or by some avocation, and lively impression of my senses, which obliterate all these chimeras. I dine, I play a game of backgammon, I converse, and am merry with my friends. And when, after three or four hours' amusement, I would return to these speculations, they appear so cold, and strained, and ridiculous, that I cannot find in my heart to enter into them any farther.”
― An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
Most fortunately it happens, that since Reason is incapable of dispelling these clouds, Nature herself suffices to that purpose, and cures me of this philosophical melancholy and delirium, either by relaxing this bent of mind, or by some avocation, and lively impression of my senses, which obliterate all these chimeras. I dine, I play a game of backgammon, I converse, and am merry with my friends. And when, after three or four hours' amusement, I would return to these speculations, they appear so cold, and strained, and ridiculous, that I cannot find in my heart to enter into them any farther.”
― An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
“I don't think there is such a thing as
an intelligent mega-rich
person.
For who with a fine mind can look
out upon this world and
hoard
what can nourish
a thousand
souls.”
―
an intelligent mega-rich
person.
For who with a fine mind can look
out upon this world and
hoard
what can nourish
a thousand
souls.”
―
“Prudence thanked him, experiencing that feeling of contrition which comes to all of us when we have made up our minds to dislike people for no apparent reason and they then perform some kind action.”
― Jane and Prudence
― Jane and Prudence
“Discovery is a child’s privilege. I mean the small child, the child who is not afraid to be wrong, to look silly, to not be serious, and to act differently from everyone else. He is also not afraid that the things he is interested in are in bad taste or turn out to be different from his expectations, from what they should be, or rather he is not afraid of what they actually are. He ignores the silent and flawless consensus that is part of the air we breathe – the consensus of all the people who are, or are reputed to be, reasonable.”
―
―
“On pillow after pillow lies
The wild white hair and staring eyes;
Jaws stand open; necks are stretched
With every tendon sharply sketched;
A bearded mouth talks silently
To someone no one else can see.
Sixty years ago they smiled
At lover, husband, first-born child.
Smiles are for youth. For old age come
Death's terror and delirium.
- Heads in the Women's Ward”
― Collected Poems
The wild white hair and staring eyes;
Jaws stand open; necks are stretched
With every tendon sharply sketched;
A bearded mouth talks silently
To someone no one else can see.
Sixty years ago they smiled
At lover, husband, first-born child.
Smiles are for youth. For old age come
Death's terror and delirium.
- Heads in the Women's Ward”
― Collected Poems
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This is a group created by Evelyn Lamb for readers who are interested in participating in her Math Reading Challenge in 2020. Below are twelve prompts ...more
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Whether you're Scottish, living in Scotland, or enjoy books about Scotland or by Scottish authors, you'll be given a typical Northern welcome here! ...more
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ALERT!!! This Reading Challenge was for 2012. To join NOW, please go to Mount TBR 2013. This group is for those who would like to participate in the ...more
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In the past year I have wanted to read more books on mathematics, mathematicians and the history of mathematics. After half a year, I realized that it ...more
Gary’s 2025 Year in Books
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