If i wrote verse these days, i'd probably compose a sonnet about what a delightful day this is! It's cold and snowing lightly, but i'm sitting in my bedroom toasty-warm, in my favorite reading chair sipping a Campari-and-soda, watching the best Poirot to ever play the part (David Suchet) on Netflix.
Generations of our ancestors -- centuries upon centuries -- never knew the security that we have. Most of the poor around us, even, enjoy an immunity to many sorts of catastrophe that's absolutely unprecedented in history. Many people suffer from the poor nutrition that is epidemic in the developed world, but very few actually STARVE. This, again, is remarkable -- though only those of us who are students of every-day history may think of it often.
Do most people realize how extremely fortunate we are? I often wonder. I have relatives and acquaintances who do nothing but grouse about stupid, petty little grievances. So-and-so doesn't live the way i want them to! Their styles are so unlike my ideal! Even my child can see what's wrong with your world-view! I can't seem to lose that last five pounds! I can't eat my favorite dish because it gives me a belly-ache! We mustn't regulate that industry, because it will cost them more to operate and they might reduce their workforce and their stock might be worth less! Ad nauseum....
Learn to count your blessings and worry less about what your neighbor thinks. The tribe on the other side of the hill is VERY unlikely to be about to invade your village.
Aw heck, the Campari and soda is a personal fave, but Campari just has too much sugar for me -- how's that for a kvetch? Cocchi Americano is similarly appealing and refreshing (and a carb count that is hard to track down) - tried it?
ReplyDeleteSuchet is great in Poirot, and I love the Deco buildings and sets. I find the recent BBC Sherlock similarly stylish, in an updated way, also with an excellent lead actor.
yeah, i know there's sugar in there, but some days it's worth the splurge. i guess i should look up what the damage is.... killjoy! ;-)
Deletei'm going to have to hunt down the CA -- at 8 carbs per ounce, i can see how the Campari could add up really fast.
DeleteUnfortunately CA is I suspect similar in sugar to Campari (though hard to be definitive about that, the carb gram count is next to impossible to find). I have one or the other very occasionally as a treat.
DeleteCampari and soda?! I knew we were soulmates. I have never met anyone else who likes this drink except my mother who is most definitely not my soulmate.
ReplyDeleteit grows on you! i've really learned to love bitter components, though the first time i tasted Campari i wasn't impressed. c&s is easier to SIP than a lot of things are.
DeleteGoodness! You aren't becoming a stoic, are you?
ReplyDeletelol -- i must admit i've been enjoying Fred's "philosophical series"....
Delete"Generations of our ancestors -- centuries upon centuries -- never knew the security that we have."
ReplyDeleteMany years ago, and when a young man, I read a book by the actor Sterling Hayden called the Wanderer. It had a profound effect on me then, and to this day . A passage from this great book.
“So it is no wonder that the mass of people regard the wanderer as a cross between a romantic vagabond and an irresponsible semi-ne’er-do-well who can’t-or won’t-fit in. Which is not to say that those who are fated to stay at home and toe the line do not look at the wanderer with envy and, yes, even awe, for he is doing what they would like to be doing, and something tells them they will never do it unless they either “strike it rich” or retire -and once retirement rolls around, chances are it will be too late. They know that too.
This would seem to mean that the whole thing is largely a matter of luck, with which I would be the first to agree, having been blessed with good fortune through most of my working life. But I would be remiss if I didn’t add that if you want to wander, you’re going to have to work at it and give up the one thing that most non-wanderers prize so highly-the illusion of security.
I say “illusion” because the most “secure” people I’ve encountered are, when you come right down to it, the least secure once they have been removed from job and home and bank account. While those unfortunate enough to be locked into some despised and unrewarding job are even worse off. And if I have been favoured with good luck all down the years, I can also quickly single out scores of men and women spread around this beleaguered old world who, without “luck”, have managed to live lives of freedom and adventure (that curious word) beyond the wildest dreams of the stay-at-homes who, when fresh out of school, opted for that great destroyer of men’s souls, security.”
In my opinion a truly great book, and the way I try to live my life. I have often failed but I try.
ISBN 978-1-57409-048-2
Kind regards Eddie
looks like an interesting book; i can imagine how it might inspire one to cultivate an adventurous spirit.
Deleteof course security IS illusory -- or should i say, "all in one's head" as is also the freedom Hayden mentions. a person can think he is secure on day one, and day two something happens that turns the world upside down. still, ... it frequently used to be a lot worse! :-)
You have inspired me to check out that book.
Delete