Author
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Topic: Why Aphorisms?
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Valus Knowflake Posts: 1910 From: Registered: Apr 2009
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posted December 30, 2009 12:21 PM
------------------------------ Wisdom is bound by insight, and insight is bound by idea; -- the idea is bound by the sentence, the sentence by the paragraph, the paragraph by the page, and the page by the book. ------------------------------
Most books are so many cages within cages, within cages. If they contain insights, you will be long in freeing them. But aphorisms are relatively close to the liberty of boundless Wisdom. A solid book of aphorisms is an exhibition of many truths, each with just a latch or two to lift. While there are many who receive assurances from a great preponderance of cages, bars, and locks, I am not of their stamp. Only fools are edified by exposition. Philosophers (if I may make an adjustment on the words and meaning of Samuel Johnson), "need to be reminded, more often than they need to be instructed". Only give me the name of the sovereign; and I myself will fondly remember, in my own manner, the castle, the court, and the way to the kingdom. "In the mountains the shortest way is from peak to peak, but for that route you must have long legs. Aphorisms should be peaks, and those spoken to should be tall and lofty. The atmosphere rare and pure, danger near and the spirit full of a joyful wickedness: these things go well together. I want to have goblins about me, for I am courageous. Courage which scares away ghosts, creates goblins for itself- it wants to laugh... He who climbs high mountains, laughs at all tragic plays and tragic realities. Brave, unconcerned, mocking, violent- thus wisdom wants us; wisdom is a woman, and always loves only a warrior... And to me also, who appreciates life, the butterflies, and soap-bubbles, and whatever is like them, seem to know most about happiness. To see these light, foolish, pretty, lively little sprites flit about- that moves Zarathustra to tears and songs. I would only believe in a God who could dance. And when I saw my devil, I found him serious, thorough, profound, solemn: he was the spirit of gravity- through him all things fall. Not by wrath, but by laughter, do we kill. Come, let us kill the spirit of gravity! I learned to walk; since then have I let myself run. I learned to fly; since then I do not need to be pushed to move from a spot. Now I am light, now I fly, now I see myself beneath myself, now a god dances through me.- Thus spoke Zarathustra." ~ Friedrich Nietzsche
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MysticMelody Moderator Posts: 361 From: Registered: Apr 2009
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posted December 30, 2009 02:21 PM
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Yin Knowflake Posts: 985 From: Registered: Apr 2009
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posted December 31, 2009 02:18 PM
quote: While there are many who receive assurances from a great preponderance of cages, bars, and locks...
Some people need to conquer books and thoughts that way. Only after they unlock the last cage will they be able to see the light. Just think of how much more exciting a wrapped gift is. Oh, the buildup, the anticipation, the sweet release! It's when the wrapping is done in excess we start to feel irritated. You know, I do marvel at your form, Valus. Your aphorisms were/are worth publishing. As are your poems. IP: Logged |
Valus Knowflake Posts: 1910 From: Registered: Apr 2009
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posted December 31, 2009 02:36 PM
Thanks.My firey Merc/Mars conjunction just wants people to get to the point. I can appreciate the build-up, and all the scenery painting, provided it is done well -- which is why I mostly read classics, and cannot stomach lesser books. But I find most writers do it because they "need" to fill several hundred pages, and because they lack the intuition to know where their own point is! -- that is, they have to take the long way around, and read their books as they write them, discovering what they have to say only after they have said it -- and many other things besides. I could be wrong.
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