A Note from Natalie Long

I’m reading “The Sayings of the Desert Fathers”. This excerpt, recounted in the section on Abba Poemen, reminded me of Father Zossima. 34. Another brother questioned him in these words: What does, “See that none…

Today’s One-Liner (#106)

 Instead of reading myths in the light of the Gospels, people have always read the Gospels in light of myths.  –Rene Girard, Maxim #104, in All Desire Is a Desire for Being: Essential Writings, edited…

Today’s One-Liner (#103)

I accept the torment of accusation and of my disgrace before all, I want to suffer and be purified by suffering!  –Dmitri Karamazov, in Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

Today’s One-Liner (#99)

Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked.   –Christopher Isherwood and Swami Prabhavananda, How to Know God: The…

Today’s One-Liner (#98)

Consider yourself fortunate if, in the midst of such a whirlwind, you possess a guiding intelligence within yourself. –Marcus Aurelius, in Pierre Hadot, The Inner Citadel: The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

Today’s One-Liner (#96)

I boasted to Rakitin that I gave an onion, but I’ll say it differently to you: in my whole life I’ve given just one little onion, that’s how much good I’ve done. –Grushenka to Alyosha,…

Today’s One-Liner (#91)

It is not in our power to explain either the prosperity of the wicked or the afflictions of the righteous. –R. Yannai, in Joseph Hertz, Sayings of the Fathers