Lao-Tzu's Taoteching translated by Red Pine, with selected commentaries from the past 2000 years

This is an ancient poem that seeks to depict the nature of our world. It uses the concept of the Tao, something deeply elusive and difficult to fully grasp, to express all that is harmonious and functions as it should. Even in the 21st century, we still face countless questions and gaps in our understanding of the universe, both at the vast cosmic scale and at the microscopic level. It’s remarkable to imagine how ancient thinkers tried to make sense of the world, expressing their insights through a language shaped by farming and everyday life. The result is a remarkable work of poetry that has inspired generations. It has certainly inspired me to view the world not merely in material terms, but by observing how it functions effortlessly, how everything is interconnected, and how human beings might improve themselves by following the example of the Tao. 

I didn’t fully understand much of the poem or even the commentaries, but I still found it deeply enjoyable to read. Some ideas I’d like to explore further include Dark Virtue, the interplay between existence and nonexistence, noninterference, inner truth, and the cultivation of the Tao.

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️ I enjoyed this book. It had been some time since I last read Victorian literature, but I approached this novel with curiosity and enthusiasm. The writing is excellent, and it engaged me from the very beginning. The mystery and overall plot were engaging, though there were a few aspects I found challenging. In particular, the characters often seemed unable to say things directly and instead spoke in roundabout ways. I assume this reflects how people, especially in the upper and middle classes, communicated during that period. The same applies to some of the dramatic situations, which were sometimes prolonged by the women in the story and, on a couple of occasions, by the men as well. 

Despite the above, there were several characters I particularly enjoyed. First, Betteredge, the Verinder family’s chief servant, who narrates the first part of the book and cites Robinson Crusoe like it's the bible. There is also a deeply religious woman who tries to convert everyone through her books, and a doctor whose crucial insight proves important in solving the mystery.

The Usefulness of the Useless by Nuccio Ordine

👍👍👍 A short book but a slow read. I’m sure I didn’t grasp most of what this book had to offer. I guess I'd need a stronger background in history, literature, and philosophy to really absorb all the subtle details and nuances surrounding its central idea—the value of what might seem useless. 

A collection of reflections on the value of the arts, literature, mathematics, science, and other pursuits, including forms of knowledge often dismissed as “useless” by modern utilitarian thinking. Ordine argues that things do not need to be useful to be worthwhile. Their value lies in their beauty and in the pleasure and joy they bring. They nourish the spirit, shape our sense of identity, help us understand ourselves, and make us more humane and morally aware. 

In contrast, a strictly utilitarian mindset corrupts us by reducing everything to profit and practical gain, ultimately turning us into slaves of utility and causing us to lose sight of our humanity. The book includes quotes by many notable historical writers, philosophers and thinkers who have expressed similar ideas from a variety of perspectives. At the end, it also includes a short essay titled The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge by Abraham Flexner.