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Thoughts for the Free Life: Lao Tsu to the Present

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This is a delightful little book, full of insights from poets and philosophers who span more than 20 centuries and as many languages. While most of the authors are famous, most of the quotations are not, so you can expect surprises. Simple line-drawn illustrations by the editor, Cicely Buckley, add to the charm of the volume. This timeless classic will make a great gift for anyone you care about, no matter their age.

Margaret Grierson, archivist at Smith College, wrote of the jewels in this collection from 25 centuries and 5 continents, on the Art of Living, Freedom from Oppression and the Natural Way, by LAO TSU, haiku, and Persian poets. With index by authors and original languages, which are often included with the English translations: the Greeks and Romans (Pericles and Robert Kennedy share a page on war); Isaiah and Palestinian poets and JFK speak of the children. Antonio Machado and a Japanese proverb remind us that "we make our own way as we go...se hace camino al andar", Rabelais says laughter is the essence of man while Camus turns a corner to discover the beauty of morning dew. A Finnish proverb says "when you drink the water, think of the well", while the Russian version says "remember the well-digger." Harlan Ellison (script writer of one of the memorable Star Wars scenarios) gives the worst case scenario for the world, against which Eluard's Seasons and Asian wisdom from Persia and the far East shine, while Thomas Hardy reminds us, in planning, to take a good look at the worst. Listen to Cervantes: La musica compone los animos descompuestos ~ Music restores broken souls and lightens the worries of the mind. Heed the advice of a Nigerian proverb: The biting fly gets no satisfaction on the back of a turtle. Scott Momaday and other native Americans wisely propose what it takes to make a beautiful day. 3rd edition now includes e.e.cummings, Thoreau, Wordsworth, Paul Eluard.