Monday Mediations #9

Read, Read and Read - Find The Author

In this edition of "Monday Meditations" I talk about reading. This was something that took me thirty-six years to figure out, but I finally understand. Our book for September in the Main Book League was "Power of Myth" by Joseph Campbell and although many things have flown way over my head - one thing stood out. This book is based on a PBS documentary conducted by interviewer Bill Moyers. My suggestion if you do decide to read this book is to watch the documentary or listen to the audiobook. I read the paperback and felt like my brain didn't capture what the audio could, but one thing did speak to me. Bill Moyers asks Joseph Campbell how do those that are non-poets and artists find mythology and humanity? Campbell responds with "Sit in a room and read - and read and read. And read the right books by the right people. Your mind is brought onto that level....When you do find an author that really grabs you read everything he has done.....don't bother at all with the best-seller list. Just read what this one author has to give you. And then you can go and read what he had read." 

"Sit in a room and read - and read and read. And read the right books by the right people. Your mind is brought onto that level....When you do find an author that really grabs you read everything he has done.....don't bother at all with the best-seller list. Just read what this one author has to give you. And then you can go and read what he had read." Joseph Campbell 

I enjoy reading other authors, but a couple in particular stand out to me and my plan is to read all they have written. I do believe that when going from one author to the next the ideas get lumped together. And I believe it to be true for podcasts, and even movies. When you begin to understand one author, poet, or director they become a part of your narrative. So what are your favorite authors currently? Mine at the moment are Ryan Holiday and Stephen King. My favorite director is Kevin Smith. How about you? Who are your favorites? 

"More often than not, a hero’s most epic battle is the one you never see; it’s the battle that goes on within him or herself."  Kevin Smith