From Loomings:
"I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote. I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on barbarous coasts. Not ignoring what is good, I am quick to perceive a horror, and could still be social with it—would they let me—since it is but well to be on friendly terms with all the inmates of the place one lodges in."
Musings:
It's that time of year when I reread Moby-Dick. This is probably the 8th full reading I have taken as a thru-reader and I still look forward to each step. Usually I read parts of the text, like a section reader, but once every other year or three, here we go.
I love Loomings. It is the perfect balance of humor and adventure and philosophical teasing. The quote above encapsulates the way I try to live my life. Or I did until the pandemic came along. I used to think, if we disagree, cool. Now I think, the horror I perceive could cost the life of a family member. I wonder if Melville could have ever seen this coming: the disdain for other's safety; the lack of caring for our fellow inmates.
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