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Ann Richardson's avatar

I'm not so sure about the Dylan Thomas. See https://arichardson.substack.com/p/rage-rage-against-the-dying-of-the

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Jim Sanders's avatar

From your link: ‘Yes, I want to live life to the fullest for as long as I can, but when the time comes, I hope I will meet my end in a spirit of tranquillity.’

For me, I have no hope about either rage or tranquillity. I will just experience what I experience.

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Ann Richardson's avatar

You may well have time to know what is happening and to therefore address the issue, either with your brain or with your emotions.

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Jim Sanders's avatar

Actually brain and emotions.

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Ann Richardson's avatar

I stand corrected.

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Katharine Hill's avatar

Thanks, Ann. I’m glad to read your take on this. Personally, I don’t rage about much of anything, and certainly dying will come when it must. But my thoughts about his quote this morning were more about standing up against the fascist idiots who are taking over here.

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Carl Selfe's avatar

This was a pleasant journey with you. Approaching 80 is not a big deal for me and I rather feel I am one who can sacrifice when the shooting starts. Someone has to walk into the gunfire, to storm the fences of the White House, and I have had my full license of life.

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Katharine Hill's avatar

Exactly, Carl. We can definitely lead the charge.

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Carl Selfe's avatar

Oh, Katharine, holding hands and skipping seems like the right way to go!

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Jim Sanders's avatar

‘Meanwhile, I also had a flickering thought of another quote (which I had to look up and confirm its origin)— “Abandon hope all ye who enter here” which seems somewhat apt for a rewriting of the inscription on the Statue of Liberty. But this line from Dante Alighieri’s Inferno is followed at the very end by a somewhat less famous line which says “And then we emerged to see the stars again.”

What jumped into my mind comes from ancient Sumerian mythology.

If interested, read about the goddess Inanna’s descent into hell, her death and her resurrection in three days. I can discuss the meaning—to me—if ever interested.

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Katharine Hill's avatar

Thanks, Jim. An interesting similarity which would make a fascinating discussion. Your kind offer will have to wait until this political chaos subsides, I think.

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