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Got half way, then stopped.

Questionable translation. Rumi was a 13th-century Persian Islamic scholar, but the translator’s introductions are strangely preoccupied with Western prose and Christianity.

Coleman also inserts himself/his thoughts (over)zealously throughout; I eventually started skipping his commentary entirely.

Will follow up with a different translation so I can truly enjoy Rumi’s work ~

Lovely poems!

Amoral. Shockingly omnipresent. Maleficent?

We all have behaviours and habits which require grace from our loved ones. In that sense, we are all receiving charity (love) in some form. Still, it’s often exceptionally hard for us to accept charity, or what we perceive to be ‘pity’.

Charity is not charity unless it’s given earnestly; not as a snub, IOU, etc. Moreover, being open to both giving and receiving it (as a form of love) deepens our humanity.

Granted it was written in 1960, (unsurprisingly) parts of it haven’t aged well. But I’m glad I finally read this. It’s been on my list for 7 years and got me to reflect on how pop culture and social norms have shifted over time.

‘It is the very nature of Eros that we would rather be unhappy with our beloved than happy apart.’

What a fun way to say, love makes us do stupid sh*t.

‘We are born helpless. As soon as we are fully conscious we discover loneliness. We need others physically, emotionally, intellectually; we need them if we are to know anything, even ourselves’

A beautiful epilogue, full of much needed examples of hope for change ～

Hmmmm… concerning.

Funny book, stopped at entry May 1st

Boy was my initial assessment wrong. This drifts mercilessly between simple and rather technical language. I question who the intended audience actually is. Yet I still feel compelled to finish it. Beneath its complexities is quite a compelling story, arguably (in some sense) the story of creation.

*Read 50% then stopped

Surprisingly easy to follow (so far) with a subtle wittiness.