| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Walden by Henry David Thoreau: partitions are run through those cellars which are adapted to the
size of the family. The wealthy and principal men in New England,
in the beginning of the colonies, commenced their first
dwelling-houses in this fashion for two reasons: firstly, in order
not to waste time in building, and not to want food the next season;
secondly, in order not to discourage poor laboring people whom they
brought over in numbers from Fatherland. In the course of three or
four years, when the country became adapted to agriculture, they
built themselves handsome houses, spending on them several
thousands."
In this course which our ancestors took there was a show of
Walden |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Hiero by Xenophon: in a confederacy = a "federal" war.
[6] "Even if serving on a campaign in the enemy's country."
[7] Or, "he has to exercise the utmost vigilance."
[8] "With those who are 'absolutely governed,' not to say tyrannically
ruled."
[9] Or, "which the tyrant may accept in faith and go his way
rejoicing."
Wars doubtless there are,[10] wars waged by states and wars waged by
autocratic monarchs against those whom they have forcibly enslaved,
and in respect of these wars there is no hardship which any member of
the states at war[11] can suffer but the tyrant will feel it also.
|
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Ferragus by Honore de Balzac: power which hastens the steps of travellers before the storm is
visible; which makes the life and beauty of the dying so resplendent,
and fills the parting soul with joyous projects for days before death
comes; which tells the midnight student to fill his lamp when it
shines brightest; and makes the mother fear the thoughtful look cast
upon her infant by an observing man? We all are affected by this
influence in the great catastrophes of life; but it has never yet been
named or studied; it is something more than presentiment, but not as
yet clear vision.
All went well till the following day. On Monday, Jules Desmarets,
obliged to go to the Bourse on his usual business, asked his wife, as
Ferragus |
