Persuasion

I look back at my last few posts and realize they are all so connected.  Lately I've been trying to immerse myself in literature as I try to decrease my television viewing and avoid being mad I still can't run or work out.  It has been pretty rewarding.

I am often a harsh critic of the world, wondering if anyone else out there bases their life on solid principles. I try to be more optimistic.

This summer after I read Les Miserables by Victor Hugo I remember saying that if everyone would read this book, the world would be a better place.  I remember thinking that I'd give it to my kids as inspiration to see the world as it truly is.  I'd never come across an author who so clearly understands God's plan, human motivation, society as it is and as it could be, and such a range of emotions.  Hugo was a mastermind.

Stephen Covey (of the 7 Habits) and Mother Teresa are both obviously so grounded.  They are such good examples.  I'd really like to know what percentage of American's spend their time immersing themselves in books by people like these.  (Logic, probability and book sales tell me I'm not alone.)

What got me thinking of this subject was Persuasion by Jane Austen, my most recent read. The two main characters in novel are so wonderful. I absolutely fell in love with them and loved the book.  My favorite part was near the end, when Captain Wentworth is sorting out his thoughts about the love of his life and why she was the most excellent woman.

"He had learnt to distinguish between the steadiness of principle and the obstinacy of self-will, between the darings of heedlessness and the resolution of a collected mind."

Immediately I thought, "Captain Wentworth is a brilliant man to have figured that out and verbalized it so well."  I then immediately thought, "Oh, duh, it was Jane Austen who created him, so she's the genius."  I couldn't help but to repeatedly stop and marvel at her acute perception of human interaction and her ability to convey her understandings so clearly in the midst of a story.

The reoccurring theme of all that I come across seems to be that a principle-centered life results in good character and a happy life.  How grateful I am for these books I've found to broaden my understanding while entertaining me as well.  :)