Lately, I’ve begun to engage in an activity I hadn’t done since my college days. While lying in bed with a book, I find myself clutching my heart, searching for the pen in my nightstand, and underlining a particularly striking sentence to help me remember it. Do you ever experience this? Here are three excerpts I highlighted (and feel free to share what you’ve enjoyed recently!)…
“I hadn’t learned how to be angry at others yet, so I simply imitated the behavior I had witnessed at home: addressing someone in curt, clipped sentences until they went mad.”
— The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue
“[My father and grandfather] both sported thick, coarse beards that they maintained meticulously… it appeared that this was a kind of offering made in the name of loving well, of having something that a small child could bury their hands in, something closer to the earth those hands might be reaching up from.”
— There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib
“My fascination with Grey is like a large, ferocious dog on a very short leash.”
— Another Marvelous Thing by Laurie Colwin
In the third excerpt, a man, entangled in an affair, contemplates his lover’s partner. (As a side note, since someone inquired why I read about affairs: I don’t support actual affairs, yet I enjoy reading about them, just as I would watch The Sopranos despite not being an avid fan of murder and money laundering. I’m consistently intrigued by the lives of others and the motivations behind their actions.)
That said, this particular line resonated with me because — and I wrestle with whether it’s embarrassing to confess! — it perfectly encapsulates how I currently feel about any woman who has previously been involved with the guy I’m seeing. I’m fascinated by his romantic history, yet I won’t pry because I understand even the tiniest detail would drive me crazy — thus, a massive dog on a tight leash. Have you ever experienced something similar? I recognize it’s not the most admirable feeling, but it’s an astute way to characterize it.
Occasionally, a book expresses a sentiment so accurately, it feels like a light bulb moment. Some time ago, while at a bookstore with a friend, he mentioned that he only read non-fiction as he always wanted to glean something from his reading. I pointed out that fiction can also impart valuable lessons. “Oh, definitely — about sentence structure, syntax, and so forth,” he acknowledged. “No, about the human experience!” I countered.
Do you recall the wise words of Ethan Hawke? “Most people don’t dedicate much time to contemplating poetry… They have lives to lead, and they’re not particularly invested in Allen Ginsberg’s verses or anyone else’s, until their father passes, they attend a funeral, they lose a child, someone shatters their heart, they realize they are no longer loved, and suddenly, they are aching to understand this life, and, ‘Has anyone else ever felt this miserable? How did they emerge from this darkness?’” That’s the moment when you truly need it.
Tell me: What books have you been diving into recently? What passages have lingered in your mind? Whether they are novels, poetry, non-fiction, or memoirs, I would love to know!
P.S. This poem is profoundly romantic, and there’s a darkly humorous book that I can’t stop pondering.
**A Remarkable and Charming Piece of Writing: The Influence of Words to Resonate**
In an environment overflowing with information, certain writings possess a unique capacity to transcend time, culture, and context, leaving a lasting impression on our hearts and minds. Whether it’s a line from a poem, an excerpt from a novel, or a quotation from a speech, these words often resonate profoundly, eliciting emotions and prompting introspection. One such piece that has lingered in my memory over the years is an excerpt from *The Prophet* by Kahlil Gibran. Published in 1923, this book is a collection of poetic essays that delve into various facets of life, including love and marriage, work, and freedom. The passage that particularly moved me is Gibran’s contemplation on love:
**“Love gives nothing but itself and takes nothing but from itself.
Love does not possess, nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.”**
This passage is noteworthy not only for its lyrical elegance but also for the profound insight it offers regarding the essence of love. Gibran’s words challenge conventional perceptions of love as a transactional or possessive emotion, instead framing it as a force that is self-sustaining and liberated. In a world where relationships are frequently marked by expectations and conditions, this excerpt serves as a reminder that genuine love is unconditional and exists for its own merit.
### The Universality of Gibran’s Insight
What enhances the power of this passage is its universal relevance. Gibran’s words break through the confines of culture, religion, and time. Whether one reads this in the 1920s or the 2020s, the message remains pertinent. Love, in its purest essence, does not revolve around possession or control but rather celebrates mutual respect and freedom. This concept resonates with individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their personal love experiences.
The straightforwardness of Gibran’s language also amplifies the passage’s effectiveness. He does not depend on intricate metaphors or obscure references to communicate his insights. Instead, he employs clear, almost conversational language to articulate a profound reality. This clarity allows readers to engage with the text on a deeply personal level, creating the feeling that Gibran is addressing them directly.
### The Emotional Resonance of Beautiful Writing
Beyond its intellectual allure, this excerpt from *The Prophet* has a considerable emotional impact. The repetition of the term “love” throughout the passage produces a rhythmic, almost mesmerizing effect, inviting the reader into a meditative space. The parallel structure—“Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself”—reinforces the notion that love is a self-contained and self-sustaining entity. This rhythm and structure provide the passage with balance and grace, mirroring the harmonious nature of love that Gibran illustrates.
Reading this passage invokes feelings of peace and lucidity. It encourages the reader to reflect on their own love experiences and to assess whether they have approached it in a possessive or transactional manner. In this way, Gibran’s writing not only imparts wisdom but also fosters personal growth and self-awareness.
### The Enduring Nature of Beautiful Writing
The hallmark of truly memorable and beautiful writing lies in its ability to withstand the test of time. Gibran’s *The Prophet* was written nearly a century ago, yet it remains impactful for contemporary readers. This longevity stems from the universal themes Gibran addresses—love, freedom, joy, sorrow. While the world has evolved significantly since the 1920s, the human experience remains fundamentally unchanged. We continue to seek love, contend with grief, and strive for meaning in our lives. Beautiful writing, akin to Gibran’s, articulates these universal experiences in a way that is both personal and profound.
Another factor contributing to the enduring nature of this passage is its versatility. Although Gibran’s words were initially crafted within the realm of romantic love, they can easily be extended to encompass other types of love—familial affection, friendship, or even love for humanity at large. This adaptability allows readers to interpret the passage in a way that resonates with them, ensuring its relevance across various contexts and phases of life.
### The Significance of Beautiful Writing in Our Lives
Encountering a piece of writing like this can be life-altering. It can alter our perspective, challenge our beliefs, and motivate us to live with greater thoughtfulness and purpose. Beautiful writing has the ability to link us to something larger than ourselves, whether that be shared human experiences or a deeper comprehension of our surroundings.
In a rapid, often tumultuous world, dedicating time to engage with beautiful writing can serve as a form of self-care. It grants us the opportunity to slow down, contemplate, and reconnect with our inner selves. Whether we are immersed in a novel, a poem, or a philosophical meditation
