The Danaïdes - 1903 - John William Waterhouse
Water through a sieve.
Some expect to leave a mark on the world. Change things along their path. Heroes who are not discouraged by the thought of tackling impossible undertakings. Those who step forward when everyone steps back. The reckless that take the low odds with joy.
But most are not like this. They might had been when they were kids or teenagers. But somewhere down the road they eventually settled down. They started getting comfortable with the repetitive and pointless. They got used to not thinking beyond their level of responsibility. And so they became a mere cog in the system.
Water through a sieve.
Water through a sieve.
Some expect to leave a mark on the world. Change things along their path. Heroes who are not discouraged by the thought of tackling impossible undertakings. Those who step forward when everyone steps back. The reckless that take the low odds with joy.
But most are not like this. They might had been when they were kids or teenagers. But somewhere down the road they eventually settled down. They started getting comfortable with the repetitive and pointless. They got used to not thinking beyond their level of responsibility. And so they became a mere cog in the system.
Water through a sieve.
Excepting some high-profile businesses like advertising and fashion, it's pretty easy to be accepted physically in professional circles; the dress code is simple and obvious. After a couple of years of working, sexual desire wanes and people turn their attention to gourmet food and wine. Some of Michel's colleagues —many of them much younger— had already started a cellar.
The Elementary Particles - 1998 - Michel Houellebecq
The Elementary Particles - 1998 - Michel Houellebecq
When Philosophy had spoken this speech she began to sing again, and these were her words:
He who would have full power must first strive to get power over his own mind, and not be unduly subject to his vice, and he must put away from him undue cares, and cease to bewail his misery. Though he rule the earth from east to west, that is, from India to the south-east of the earth, even to the island we call Thule (that is to the north-west of this earth, where in summer there is no night, and in winter no day), yet hath he none the more power if he have no power over his own thoughts, and be not on his guard against those vices we have before spoken of.
He who would have full power must first strive to get power over his own mind, and not be unduly subject to his vice, and he must put away from him undue cares, and cease to bewail his misery. Though he rule the earth from east to west, that is, from India to the south-east of the earth, even to the island we call Thule (that is to the north-west of this earth, where in summer there is no night, and in winter no day), yet hath he none the more power if he have no power over his own thoughts, and be not on his guard against those vices we have before spoken of.
Saint Boëthius, The Consolation of PhilosophyUglyness and modernity go hand in hand.
Maybe that's the only reason why the Middle Ages are so despised.
Maybe that's the only reason why the Middle Ages are so despised.
Hedonistic boomers, hedonism millennials, hedonistic turbo-accelerated zoomers... What can we do?