I feel like most days are similar, and that’s the problem. I get out of bed at the same time everyday, shower, and then commute to work. From there, I sit at a desk and stare at a computer for eight hours until I commute home and make dinner for my family. I spend about two hours a day with my wife and kids before we’re off to bed and we do it all over again. If I’m being honest, day-to-day living can be pretty routine – until I open a book.
A book is a portal. When I turn the cover, I can debate with Socrates or I can run through the marshlands with Pip. I can build a cabin in the woods next to Walden Pond or I can attend a grand ball with the devil in The Master and Margarita. For me, it’s possible to spend the day with Marcus Aurelius, Jean Valjean, or Raskolnikov. I can even stand in Roger Ackroyd’s study and solve a murder with the great Hercule Poirot.
Growing up, I wanted to do something interesting with my life. I didn’t care about being famous, but I did want to do something important – and I have. I’ve created a beautiful family. But my life didn’t turn out the way I thought. Who knew I’d become an accountant? The routine is real, and the bills have to get paid, but things are far from boring because I have my books.
Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy
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