“I suppose that one reason I have always detested religion is its sly tendency to insinuate the idea that the universe is designed with 'you' in mind or, even worse, that there is a divine plan into which one fits whether one knows it or not. This kind of modesty is too arrogant for me.”
― Hitch 22: A Memoir
― Hitch 22: A Memoir
“I am dying by inches, from not having any body to talk to about insects...”
― Letters. A Selection, 1825–1859
― Letters. A Selection, 1825–1859
“The juvenile sea squirt wanders through the sea searching for a suitable rock or hunk of coral to cling to and make its home for life. For this task, it has a rudimentary nervous system. When it finds its spot and takes root, it doesn't need its brain anymore, so it eats it! It's rather like getting tenure.”
―
―
“What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
- Leisure”
― Common Joys and Other Poems
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
- Leisure”
― Common Joys and Other Poems
“The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.”
― Letters to a Young Contrarian
― Letters to a Young Contrarian
Science and Natural History
— 1133 members
— last activity Sep 22, 2020 01:21PM
This group is for those that just can't get enough of science and the natural world. *** All books are chosen by group members *** ...more
Bangalore bookworms and bibliophiles (BBB)
— 2872 members
— last activity Dec 26, 2025 08:23AM
A place for book lovers of Bangalore to meet, connect and have conversations (online and real life!) Just discussion about books! By book lovers! No ...more
Shyamal’s 2025 Year in Books
Take a look at Shyamal’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
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