| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen: chaise-seat had conveyed for her immediate accommodation,
when her eye suddenly fell on a large high chest,
standing back in a deep recess on one side of the fireplace.
The sight of it made her start; and, forgetting everything
else, she stood gazing on it in motionless wonder,
while these thoughts crossed her:
"This is strange indeed! I did not expect such a sight
as this! An immense heavy chest! What can it hold? Why
should it be placed here? Pushed back too, as if meant to
be out of sight! I will look into it--cost me what it may,
I will look into it--and directly too--by daylight.
Northanger Abbey |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Art of War by Sun Tzu: they will surely exert their united strength to get out of it."]
24. Soldiers when in desperate straits lose the sense of
fear. If there is no place of refuge, they will stand firm. If
they are in hostile country, they will show a stubborn front. If
there is no help for it, they will fight hard.
25. Thus, without waiting to be marshaled, the soldiers
will be constantly on the qui vive; without waiting to be asked,
they will do your will;
[Literally, "without asking, you will get."]
without restrictions, they will be faithful; without giving
orders, they can be trusted.
The Art of War |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Deputy of Arcis by Honore de Balzac: "I shall not cost you much," she said; "on the contrary, I can save
you money."
"How so?"
"I can be the model for your statues if I choose. Besides which, I am
a capital housekeeper. If Benedetto had behaved properly, we should
have had a good home,--/per che/, I know how to make one; and I've
another great talent too!"
She ran to a guitar, which was hanging on the wall, and began to sing
a bravura air, accompanying herself with singular energy.
"In France," she said, when she had finished, "I could take lessons
and go upon the stage, where I know I should succeed; that was
|
