As a reader, I thought you might appreciate this quote.
“When I dance, I dance; when I sleep, I sleep.”
This wisdom comes from Michel de Montaigne, the French essayist (1533 – 1592). He was obsessed with the experience of life and found that writing about his phenomenon was the best way to know himself. The more he analyzed what it was like to be human, the more he realized that his job (if he were to live well), was to pay attention in the moment.
Ergo, when he danced – he was fully in the state of dancing. He wasn’t thinking about work, the political needs of Bordeaux (his hometown in France), or what he would have for dinner. He was dancing. Side note: I took my wife to France and it was a common scene to see French people ballroom dancing in the streets – just to dance. It captivated us.
Returning to Montaigne, let’s see what we can apply. I write daily about reading well. What can each of us do to be more present with our books? I know that for me, it’s critical to read books that captivate my attention. If I listen to my heart and follow a course of study that speaks to my interests, it’s much easier to read when I read. That’s why it’s so important to study the best books. I hate to say it, but the world is full of bad books that make you feel like a bad reader.
Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy
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