Sadly, sadly, the sun rose; it rose upon no sadder sight than the man of good abilities and good emotions, incapable of their directed exercise, incapable of his own help and his own happiness, sensible of the blight on him, and resigning himself to let it eat him away.
-Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Resignation
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4 comments:
Yep, that is how I often feel.
I suppose it is fairly universal. I am slowly coming to the conclusion that one needs to have a plan, focus, direction in life, drifting just doesn’t cut it.
As one who has multiple interests, finding one focus or direction in life is hard. But, progress is being made. I am definitely warming to the idea of actually writing down plans/objectives (someday) and setting timetables (another day) and choose to act now (soon) despite my mood (as soon as it improves).
I see bad habits picked up from school and work (planning and preparation) – I am far less spontaneous in doing things than when I was younger. I am also significantly less willing to invest time on projects that have no payback. The world is also not a very supporting place, hence constant postponement and delay until the nest is finished and the storehouses full.
Good quote. Odd I don't remember it. Mind you, I read A tale of Two Cities back in grade 10 (that’s 25-26 years ago). While I did read the book twice, I only recall the opening and closing words (which are quite cliched). Although, I do remember the book being a good read and enjoying it (unlike most books in English class).
open invitation, come anytime:):)
richard...i like that term, "drifting." it is true that doesn't cut it in life. i think what thwarts most people's efforts is the reality that a plan/focus/direction evolves constantly. that requires a very active participation in life.
haha...ah, yes, the someday, another day, soon, and as soon as it improves clauses. i've fallen back on those too often. and it is difficult when you have so many interests and those interests are constantly shifting.
the world isn't a very supportive place and that's a huge factor as well. but i've found that when i shut out the voices of opposition (in the various forms described in your comment), i really do achieve so much and am able to eliminate any previous resignation. for me, it has always been a matter of keeping up that mindset and not allowing myself to succumb yet again to that feeling of defeat and laziness.
kim...oooo weee! don't tease a girl! :) maybe i should make a summer trip out there?
I can't believe this we are reading ( I assume ) the same book at the same time. I am also currently reading C. Dickens A Tale Of Two Cities . So very true about all of us really. Oh dear I wish my head wasn't this scrambled than I could say something more sensible.
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