When I was quite young I read a book. Well, I read several hundred books, all I did was read, but that's an entirely different matter. I read one particular book, a famous one, and it moved me, and subsequently I have read it several times.
One of the many notable points of this book was the protagonist's penchant for lists. He ordered his entire life in lists of 5. Everything from "Top Side 1, Track 1's" to "Ideal Jobs" was presented in list forms. One of the most interesting lists I think, is the one listing his five worst break ups.
On my first reading, around age 11, I found this selfish, and obnoxious and unkind. I hated him for reducing these women to a list, and such a derogatory list at that. However,
I re-read the book a few years later by which time puberty had well and truly kicked in and I was more aware of love and lust and heart-break. A lot of the book made more sense to me then, and it had more of an emotional effect on me. Particularly, I noticed how my thoughts on that list had changed. I understood the catharsis behind it.
On a later reading, after my first love, I realised the list was not unkind at all, and totally necessary as a way of regrouping and dealing.
On my most recent reading of the book, two severe breakages and a few small scratches of my heart later, my feelings on the list had totally changed. I now recognize it as a kind thing to do. You see, in writing that list, and placing those women on it, he was acknowledging their importance in his life. He was giving them a place in his mind's autobiography and forever immortalised these people. They were remembered; the reason for their remembrance is irrelevant, the point is they were not just forgotten footnotes in his life's story.
I really feel that there are few things sadder than to realise that someone you once loved not only doesn't love you, but doesn't even consider you, doesn't even think of you, doesn't even remember how you liked your coffee. So, I think, in perhaps a shamefully un-feminist way, that he did them a kindness, even if it is not obvious on the surface.
A more diary-like entry will follow soon I'm sure.
One of the many notable points of this book was the protagonist's penchant for lists. He ordered his entire life in lists of 5. Everything from "Top Side 1, Track 1's" to "Ideal Jobs" was presented in list forms. One of the most interesting lists I think, is the one listing his five worst break ups.
On my first reading, around age 11, I found this selfish, and obnoxious and unkind. I hated him for reducing these women to a list, and such a derogatory list at that. However,
I re-read the book a few years later by which time puberty had well and truly kicked in and I was more aware of love and lust and heart-break. A lot of the book made more sense to me then, and it had more of an emotional effect on me. Particularly, I noticed how my thoughts on that list had changed. I understood the catharsis behind it.
On a later reading, after my first love, I realised the list was not unkind at all, and totally necessary as a way of regrouping and dealing.
On my most recent reading of the book, two severe breakages and a few small scratches of my heart later, my feelings on the list had totally changed. I now recognize it as a kind thing to do. You see, in writing that list, and placing those women on it, he was acknowledging their importance in his life. He was giving them a place in his mind's autobiography and forever immortalised these people. They were remembered; the reason for their remembrance is irrelevant, the point is they were not just forgotten footnotes in his life's story.
I really feel that there are few things sadder than to realise that someone you once loved not only doesn't love you, but doesn't even consider you, doesn't even think of you, doesn't even remember how you liked your coffee. So, I think, in perhaps a shamefully un-feminist way, that he did them a kindness, even if it is not obvious on the surface.
A more diary-like entry will follow soon I'm sure.
I have always agreed with him on this point.
But if anything can seriously challenge the top ranking that sleep
has in the rejuvenation hierarchy, it would be catharsis.
How long is your trip for my dear?