In Order to Live

Do not read, as children do, to amuse
yourself, or like the ambitious, for
the purpose of instruction. No,
read in order to live.

source: Gustave Flaubert
image: Eddie’s Images
Aboriginal Rock Art

20 thoughts on “In Order to Live”

Perfect on 09,24,18 at 5:48 am said:

The essence of reading can never be overemphasized

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- Eddie Two Hawks on 09,24,18 at 6:17 am said:
  
  Never.
  
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righteousbruin9 on 09,20,18 at 12:53 am said:

So I read, on and on.

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- Eddie Two Hawks on 09,20,18 at 6:14 am said:
  
  Yes!
  
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Robyn Haynes on 09,19,18 at 10:57 pm said:

There are many ways to read. These ancient rock paintings are one way. The face of a loved one, a landscape, a gesture, a cloudy sky, a touch – all are ways to read.

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- Eddie Two Hawks on 09,20,18 at 6:22 am said:
  
  Elaborating on this important theme makes it ever more real in our daily lives.
  Thanks so much for sharing this Robyn
  
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InfiniteZip on 09,19,18 at 1:04 pm said:

Ii’ve been reading for the first time lately in too long, F. Scott Fitzgerald ❤ just picturing the world one hundred years ago as written through his eyes and experiences ❤

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- Eddie Two Hawks on 09,19,18 at 4:14 pm said:
  
  He’s a good author to help paint a picture of what the world was like 100 years ago.
  So very different than now. Thanks so much for your kind remarks today!
  
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natuurfreak on 09,18,18 at 2:58 pm said:

Dan heb jue alvast een goede start

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- Eddie Two Hawks on 09,19,18 at 9:50 am said:
  
  Lezen kan een goede basis vormen voor elk gesprek of essay.
  
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sloppy buddhist on 09,18,18 at 9:57 am said:

agree and I know I could read more…I remember days where I read entire books in a day…enjoy a good book Eddie ~ smiles hedy ☺️🤓✌️

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- Eddie Two Hawks on 09,18,18 at 10:10 am said:
  
  Oh gosh, yes those were the days!
  A happy life to you dear friend
  
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elementhealing on 09,18,18 at 8:43 am said:

I agree! Love the picture ❤ It looks like a Spirit Dance.

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- Eddie Two Hawks on 09,18,18 at 10:03 am said:
  
  You may be right about this picture Sharon. There is a spiritual nature about it that’s certain.
  
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Lisa R. Palmer on 09,18,18 at 8:42 am said:

An interesting statement. How does one “read in order to live”? I would be curious to hear how others interpret that statement, as I find myself unsure.

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- Eddie Two Hawks on 09,18,18 at 9:59 am said:
  
  Long before starting this blog I read many books on religios and spiritual practices from time beginning.
  Still left with many questions unanswered I thought hearing what others said about the matter would
  help. The result thus far is, more questions.
  
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  - Lisa R. Palmer on 09,18,18 at 10:02 am said:
    
    Lol! Isn’t that the truth of it?! Always more questions than answers. But in my elderhood I call that “wisdom” rather than “ignorance,” for at least I recognize better now all that I do NOT know…
  - Eddie Two Hawks on 09,18,18 at 10:13 am said:
    
    Ah. How living makes us who we are
- cryptomathecian on 09,18,18 at 3:57 pm said:
  
  The popular and prolific English writer Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote on this theme about twenty years earlier in 1848 within his novel “The Caxtons”;
  Master books, but do not let them master you. Read to live, not live to read.
  
  In 1911 the words of Flaubert were recalled in a filler item published in a Kosciusko, Mississippi newspaper and following words were added to the statement; …make an intellectual atmosphere for your soul, which shall be composed of the emanation of all great minds.
  
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  - Lisa R. Palmer on 09,19,18 at 6:53 am said:
    
    Now that does make more sense to me, especially the latter. I thank you, cryptomathecian for the clarification and insight!