Culture, photos, life's nagging questions. Books, coffee, spirituality. With trashtalk thrown in absolutely free.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Potentially a Great Relief
What we become depends on what we read after all of the professors have finished with us. The greatest university of all is a collection of books. - Thomas Carlyle
What do you think? Is Carlyle right? I'm of two minds about this.
I would say that is very true. I would also say that if we tend to like a professor we take in a lot of what they say. We often begin to think and read like they do. It is very obvious in seminary.
Sherman's take is probably the concise truth, with the caveat that it also depends on the students. Some cats eat up every word in classes where I am wincing and writing angry notes in the margins. And visa versa, no doubt.
With a few exceptions, I'd say that my books carry more influence than my professors. But the book authors have the "advantage" of not being forced to make public appearances and make good impressions on my sometimes-too-cynical mind...
You're about to leave a comment. The entire blog is holding its breath. Bittersweetlife wants you to know that you look your best when you speak straight up and aren't red in the face.
Depends on the professor; depends on the books.
ReplyDeleteCheers.
If the "collection of books" Carlyle is referring to is the 66 books of the Bible, then yes, I'd say I very much agree with him. :P
ReplyDeleteI would say that is very true. I would also say that if we tend to like a professor we take in a lot of what they say. We often begin to think and read like they do. It is very obvious in seminary.
ReplyDeleteSherman's take is probably the concise truth, with the caveat that it also depends on the students. Some cats eat up every word in classes where I am wincing and writing angry notes in the margins. And visa versa, no doubt.
ReplyDeleteWith a few exceptions, I'd say that my books carry more influence than my professors. But the book authors have the "advantage" of not being forced to make public appearances and make good impressions on my sometimes-too-cynical mind...