Too many years ago, I read Candide by Voltaire (French A Level syllabus). I found the story ridiculous, a mash up of unlikely characters, implausible escapes from desperate situations and didn't really understand Voltaire's purpose in writing it. One phrase at the end influenced me hugely though -
"Il faut cultiver notre jardin."
Basically the way to stable mental and physical well being is to tend to our plot to feed ourselves. No more, no less.
It seems to me you're living as Candide discovered we all have to.
So you can add Voltaire to Camus for literary connections.
Brilliant catch! Dr Pangloss was one of my earliest literary heroes! This is indeed the best of all possible worlds. I'm going to have to go and search the library. I am pretty sure Candide was one of the thousands of books I donated when I left London, but if I still have it, it's getting a re-read!
Wow. Forwards or backwards: maybe it's always the journey, not so much the destination/goal. The transformation from deadly army institution/crazy refugee shelter to something brimming with life and regeneration is worthy of celebration! Although I'm in awe of your fierce "happy doomerism" philosophy. Many Happy Returns. And to the piggies.
Happy 200 weeks! An excellent newsletter to celebrate. The way forward is maybe wisely choosing our yoke, ploughing the furrows, then seeing what grows?
I would have to agree with that. I've been thinking more about agrarian dreams in my not-newsletter writings. I am sure they will make it off the hard drive one day...
Too many years ago, I read Candide by Voltaire (French A Level syllabus). I found the story ridiculous, a mash up of unlikely characters, implausible escapes from desperate situations and didn't really understand Voltaire's purpose in writing it. One phrase at the end influenced me hugely though -
"Il faut cultiver notre jardin."
Basically the way to stable mental and physical well being is to tend to our plot to feed ourselves. No more, no less.
It seems to me you're living as Candide discovered we all have to.
So you can add Voltaire to Camus for literary connections.
Salut M le Capitaine Ben!
Brilliant catch! Dr Pangloss was one of my earliest literary heroes! This is indeed the best of all possible worlds. I'm going to have to go and search the library. I am pretty sure Candide was one of the thousands of books I donated when I left London, but if I still have it, it's getting a re-read!
Wow. Forwards or backwards: maybe it's always the journey, not so much the destination/goal. The transformation from deadly army institution/crazy refugee shelter to something brimming with life and regeneration is worthy of celebration! Although I'm in awe of your fierce "happy doomerism" philosophy. Many Happy Returns. And to the piggies.
Thank you so much, Jessica. For all you have done for the barracks!
…it’s always appreciated - I look forward to it whatever the quality
congratulations on 200 weeks!!!
Thank you. I can hardly believe it myself. That is to say, I actually can't. I have no memory of writing any of them!
Beatfully expressed. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to say so, Jeanette!
This resonated! What a magnificent adventure, what a meaningful life. Happy 200 weeks to you and the piggies
Oh the piggies! I almost forgot about them! :D
Keep up the clickerty clack dear Pirate - it’s such an inspiring way to start the week.
Thank you. The writer would like to remind the reader that the occasional well written post is no indicator of future literary quality!
Happy 200 weeks! An excellent newsletter to celebrate. The way forward is maybe wisely choosing our yoke, ploughing the furrows, then seeing what grows?
I would have to agree with that. I've been thinking more about agrarian dreams in my not-newsletter writings. I am sure they will make it off the hard drive one day...
200 weeks! Epic. Well done. And the newsletter has changed and evolved as has The Barracks.
It's phenomenal to see the progress over the years. The results of years of awesome hard work!
Cheers, bro