In January of 2016, I was thoroughly enjoying Natsumi Sosuke's classic, 'Kokoro', when I came across a particular quote that shook me to my core:
"... you don't really become a finer person just by reading lots of books."
After examining my Goodreads account, I'd realized that I'd read over thirty works without much thought or examination. I began to question the purpose of chugging through so many books at once. What was I gaining? What was the point?
Shortly after finishing 'Kokoro' I was trying to figure out what I wanted to really read next when I came across Editor Eric's "Greatest Literature of All Time" list. It made me wonder: could I read through the greatest works of the human race and grow as a man?
The list was absolutely daunting. One thousand works, at least, to read and think about.
It occurred to me that this list would be challenging in many ways. Arbitrary calculations showed that it could take me anywhere from ten to sixteen years to complete such a list, if I read at a steady clip. But then I had my depression to worry about. Depression, that great anchor, would oftentimes drop weight with me attached several times a year, eradicating every modicum of joy or interest in everyday living for weeks at a time. It was nearing the end of the month and I could all ready sense the weight tugging on my ankles.
While wallowing in silence on my couch, I decided that I would write about my life and tie that in to what I was reading, all through the lens of depression, in good times or bad. I hope to read through this list and share with you some of my stories, thoughts, trials and tribulations. I hope to grow as a person, as a writer, and as a husband. Here's to hoping I can keep it up, because hope is really all I have.
"... you don't really become a finer person just by reading lots of books."
After examining my Goodreads account, I'd realized that I'd read over thirty works without much thought or examination. I began to question the purpose of chugging through so many books at once. What was I gaining? What was the point?
Shortly after finishing 'Kokoro' I was trying to figure out what I wanted to really read next when I came across Editor Eric's "Greatest Literature of All Time" list. It made me wonder: could I read through the greatest works of the human race and grow as a man?
The list was absolutely daunting. One thousand works, at least, to read and think about.
It occurred to me that this list would be challenging in many ways. Arbitrary calculations showed that it could take me anywhere from ten to sixteen years to complete such a list, if I read at a steady clip. But then I had my depression to worry about. Depression, that great anchor, would oftentimes drop weight with me attached several times a year, eradicating every modicum of joy or interest in everyday living for weeks at a time. It was nearing the end of the month and I could all ready sense the weight tugging on my ankles.
While wallowing in silence on my couch, I decided that I would write about my life and tie that in to what I was reading, all through the lens of depression, in good times or bad. I hope to read through this list and share with you some of my stories, thoughts, trials and tribulations. I hope to grow as a person, as a writer, and as a husband. Here's to hoping I can keep it up, because hope is really all I have.
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