Education is an admirable thing. But it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.
Oscar Wild
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“But these were essentially the accouterments that appeal to all people who are not actually rich but who want to look rich, though all they manage to do is look like each other”.
The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Leo Tolstoy.
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I am happy to say that today I managed to finish two of the seven books I was reading. First, I finished the enormous biography of Alexander Hamilton, by Ron Chernow. That’s an extremely detailed account of a great man who was controversial out of faithfulness to his beliefs. One clear takeaway from the book is that good writing requires dedication not only to the task but also to reading. This has further convinced me of its importance in personal development.
The second book was a light one, Cuckoo’s Calling, by J.K. Rowling. While it wasn’t exactly my preference, I read it anyway and plan to continue with the rest of the series due to its popularity within my family – it’s the talk of the dinner table.
Overall, it was a good day.
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Have you ever felt that one day you will miss today?
When you realize that, there comes an urge to make the best of the moment, to not lose anything, and, hopefully, to remember everything. Most of all, you know that, one day, you will want to feel like that again. Unfortunately, no camera exists for that, so, you have to settle for the second-best thing – photos, videos, souvenirs.
I had this feeling when I lived abroad, acutely aware of how flimsy time is and how fast it would pass. Furthermore, I was sure I would remember just a few details. That’s when I picked up photography, to fight the impermanence of experiences. It’s always been for the future me.
The same feeling returned when my son was born. I knew I’d crave the sensations of that day again, and only some memories would resist the passing of time. Nowadays, as his youth flies by, I feel the need to hold on to the moment more often than ever. So, I click, I click, I click.
This is the nature of good times.
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A beautiful Sunday afternoon spent with family.
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How many books can one read at a time? That’s a fair question, but also a very weird one because, nowadays, it’s becoming difficult to find people who read at all. Generally, people are not inclined to read a single book, let alone several simultaneously.
There was a time when I didn’t read much at all. Over the past few years, though, reading has become an integral part of my day. I say reading, but listen a lot to books, mostly when I am driving or at the gym. Light books and biographies are better suited for this kind of reading. When I want to read fiction or a brainy book, I fire up my trusty Kindle.
Also, it should be mentioned that I read A LOT for work, but that really doesn’t count. As I see it, you should devote time, and reading time, to things that will make you a more wholesome person, and tax law simply doesn’t contribute to anyone’s personal growth.
Going back to the original question, according to my recently created Literal profile, I am currently reading / listening to 7 books:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey (not my favourite genre, but I am enjoying the reflections I have while listening to it).
Alexander Hamilton, by Ron Chernow (by far one of my favourite authors and genre).
Principles, by Ray Dalio and Jeremy Bobb (I am still not decided about this one – so far, it seems like a self-congratulatory piece of paper weight, but I’ll keep pushing).
The Daily Stoic, by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman (I like the book, but this is a clear example better suited for reading in print or on a Kindle).
Dune, by Frank Herbert (amazing book, amazing movie).
O Chamado do Cuco, by Robert Galbraith.
Os Pilares da Terra, by Ken Follett.
I’ll read / listen to one or another book depending on my mood and the activity I am doing. At the gym, I prefer books that require minimal attention, even less than what I can give while driving. If I am not driving or working out, then I rip out my Kindle and do some proper reading.
To close this post, that is becoming longer than I expected, I have to say that quitting social media has allowed much more time for me to read. Looking back, it amazes me how much time went down that particular drain. To that, I say: better late than never. You should quit, too.
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After messing around with WordPress and with a lot of help from AI, I am finally done. The blog looks just as I wanted it, and now I can focus on the actual writing.
On that note, it happens to me so frequently that I can’t be alone in this: I am often more enthusiastic about something before I actually start doing it, rather than when I am actually doing it. I mean, I watch all the YouTube videos about the thing, learn what I have to learn to be able to do the thing, buy everything that I (often don’t) need to do the thing, and then, when I actually do it, all that excitement is gone after a while.
Let’s just hope this will not be the case with the blog.
Wish me luck.
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Let’s establish some important ground rules for this blog (always subject to change).
This is an outlet for my creativity and a way for me to document my interests. I understand that not many people may be interested, and that’s okay with me.
This is not a conversation; it’s mostly a one-way street — my street. If you feel strongly compelled to get in touch, do it like the Mayas did — email me.
Although I attended university in England (more on that eventually), English is not my first language. I’ll do my best, but no promises.
Take a seat, enjoy, and if you feel inspired, start your own blog. Trust me; it’s terrific to express yourself outside the constraints and pressures of social networks.
