Tis the good reader that makes the good book; in every book he finds passages which seem confidences or asides hidden from all else and unmistakably meant for his ear; the profit of books is according to the sensibility of the reader; the profoundest thought or passion sleeps as in a mine, until it is discovered by an equal mind and heart.
Emerson
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Note: Painting by Ivan Kramskoi (1837 - 1887)
Hello Yvette:
ReplyDeleteA sentiment which we endorse entirely and one which we believe to be very true.
The picture which you have chosen to illustrate today's post is delightful; we, to our shame, know nothing of Kramskoi.
Hi Jane and Lance:
ReplyDeleteI discovered Kramskoi's work by accident. I especially love this particular painting.
A function of the computer that I love is this ability to discover artists whose work I've never seen before.
Reader response theory in a nutshell!
ReplyDeleteFine quote and painting! Ralph Waldo Emerson is one of the most profound thinkers I've read and I use his quotes often in my community-based spiritual newsletter.
ReplyDeleteJuxtabook: You said it! :)
ReplyDeleteOr maybe I should say, Emerson said it.
Prashant: He always had something intelligent to say. That's for sure. I recently bought a book of Emerson's essays. It's on my list of books to be read in the coming months.
ReplyDeleteI'd add James Allen, Bertrand Russell and Romain Rolland too.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Mr. Emerson (and you, of course, Yvette).
ReplyDeletePrashant: Duly noted. :)
ReplyDeleteLes: Thank you, Les. But it's all Mr. Emerson. :)
ReplyDeleteThe quote is good, the painting lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how many artists have painted women reading, always a terrific subject.
many women definitely are born to read.
Kathy: Oh yes, there are definitely more paintings of women reading than men. Maybe in the old days it was a novelty. :)
ReplyDeleteThere is a beautiful book with paintings of women reading.
ReplyDeleteI bought this for a friend, and I like to look at it.
Amazon seems to have used copies of it.
http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Women-Stefan-Bollman/dp/1858943329
I've seen that Kathy. But I guess I prefer seeing tham online because then I can post them on the blog. :)
ReplyDeleteBut now that you mention it, it would make a fine gift.