“...But the Hebrew word, the word timshel—‘Thou mayest’— that gives a choice. It might be the most important word in the world. That says the way is open. That throws it right back on a man. For if ‘Thou mayest’—it is also true that ‘Thou mayest not.’ Don’t you see?...‘Thou mayest’! Why, that makes a man great, that gives him stature with the gods, for in his weakness and his filth and his murder of his brother he has still the great choice. He can choose his course and fight it through and win.” Lee’s voice was a chant of triumph.
Adam said, “Do you believe that, Lee?”
“Yes, I do. Yes, I do. It is easy out of laziness, out of weakness, to throw oneself into the lap of deity, saying, ‘I couldn’t help it; the way was set.’ But think of the glory of the choice! That makes a man a man. A cat has no choice, a bee must make honey. There’s no godliness there...Confucius tells men how they should live to have good and successful lives. But this—this is a ladder to climb to the stars.” Lee’s eyes shone. “You can never lose that. It cuts the feet from under weakness and cowardliness and laziness...I have no bent toward gods. But I have a new love for that glittering instrument, the human soul. It is a lovely and unique thing in the universe. It is always attacked and never destroyed— because ‘Thou mayest.’”
- John Steinbeck, East of Eden
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You have to carry the fire.
I don't know how to.
Yes, you do.
Is it real? The fire?
Yes it is.
Where is it? I don't know where it is.
Yes you do. It's inside you. It always was there. I can see it.
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road
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May I never be complete.
May I never be content.
May I never be perfect.
- Chuck Palahuniuk, Fight Club
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I wanted to share these excerpts from three of the books I most cherish. If you haven’t read one of them, or any of them, you really should. They are excellent.
Words are beautiful and sacred. Handle them with care.
With Love,
Katelyn
[email protected]
San Diego, CA
P.s. If there is anyone out there who is going to law school, or is practicing in the legal field, I would love to hear from you. I will be attending UCLA Law School in the fall and participating in their David Epstein Public Interest and Law Program. I would greatly appreciate any advice you may have!
P.s.s. Thank you Amie for being my friend.