Having a great disposition as soon as we open our eyes every morning decides the kind of day we are going to have, even in the face of some unexpectedly unhappy event.
In "Se questo e un uomo" Primo Levi tells how one of the prisoner Jews in Auschwitz was always smiling... When one of the other detainees asked him what on earth was he smiling about, he replied "Well, if I didn't smile, I would still be in Auschwitz". That stayed with me ever since I read it.
Wow. I’ve never come across that story from Primo Levi before. It’s a perfect representation of maintaining a good outlook/disposition and how our thoughts shape our lives just as much—if not more so—than the physical reality we find ourselves in.
You packed a lot of wisdom in a few short paragraphs. Thank you, Jenn.
And best wishes on your great new adventure. It will be the most challenging but rewarding adventure in your life, but it lasts only for the blinking of an eye. Enjoy every moment.
Thank you so much, Bhavana! It means so much to hear that my ideas—particularly “Stop and Realize“—resonated with you! I was actually hesitant about the direction I took with it, so hearing that you found it to be worthwhile makes all the difference 🙏🥰♥️
Jen, in fact, the direction gave your composition, added weight and the much needed perspective re how interconnected we are and how connections matter, even when they're not overtly visible. I'm so glad you went ahead with publishing your thoughts.
I was particularly drawn to this line: “We rarely stop to realize that everything we have—be it material, spiritual, or intellectual—exists because of other people.” This feels so incredibly true. We live in such an individualistic society sometimes, it’s easy to forget the interconnected web of humanity that supports every aspect of our lives. From the food we eat to the ideas that inspire us, there’s a whole lineage of people whose contributions have made it possible. And yet, we often take these things for granted. Reading this made me want to be more intentional about expressing gratitude, both to those I know and to the anonymous millions who have shaped the world I live in. It’s humbling and also incredibly heartening to consider how much we rely on each other.
Excellent bunch of quotations and reflections.
Having a great disposition as soon as we open our eyes every morning decides the kind of day we are going to have, even in the face of some unexpectedly unhappy event.
In "Se questo e un uomo" Primo Levi tells how one of the prisoner Jews in Auschwitz was always smiling... When one of the other detainees asked him what on earth was he smiling about, he replied "Well, if I didn't smile, I would still be in Auschwitz". That stayed with me ever since I read it.
Wow. I’ve never come across that story from Primo Levi before. It’s a perfect representation of maintaining a good outlook/disposition and how our thoughts shape our lives just as much—if not more so—than the physical reality we find ourselves in.
Thank you, Christina!
It is a great book by Primo Levi. Distressing, but great. And while we are on his subject, https://open.substack.com/pub/christinamigonebenfield/p/once-in-a-lifetime?r=47awag&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false.
... or any other one of my posts ;-)
I hope all goes well with all three of your commitments, you have my best wishes. Also. I will wait with excitement for your return.
Thank you, Dave 🥰
Wisdom defined 👍
♥️🙏
One of my favorite poems about how to live:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57926/a-portrait-of-a-dog-as-an-older-guy
You packed a lot of wisdom in a few short paragraphs. Thank you, Jenn.
And best wishes on your great new adventure. It will be the most challenging but rewarding adventure in your life, but it lasts only for the blinking of an eye. Enjoy every moment.
I will try my best! Thank you so much! I am so grateful 🫶
Your best is very good indeed.
What a wholesome read. I found myself nodding in agreement throughout. 'Stop and realise' was incredible. As was the compilation of musings.
Thank you so much, Bhavana! It means so much to hear that my ideas—particularly “Stop and Realize“—resonated with you! I was actually hesitant about the direction I took with it, so hearing that you found it to be worthwhile makes all the difference 🙏🥰♥️
Thanks for being here!
Jen, in fact, the direction gave your composition, added weight and the much needed perspective re how interconnected we are and how connections matter, even when they're not overtly visible. I'm so glad you went ahead with publishing your thoughts.
I was particularly drawn to this line: “We rarely stop to realize that everything we have—be it material, spiritual, or intellectual—exists because of other people.” This feels so incredibly true. We live in such an individualistic society sometimes, it’s easy to forget the interconnected web of humanity that supports every aspect of our lives. From the food we eat to the ideas that inspire us, there’s a whole lineage of people whose contributions have made it possible. And yet, we often take these things for granted. Reading this made me want to be more intentional about expressing gratitude, both to those I know and to the anonymous millions who have shaped the world I live in. It’s humbling and also incredibly heartening to consider how much we rely on each other.