A quote to live by.

I was reading Eragon today, when I stumbled across an interesting trinket of wisdom. In the book, it comes from the mouth of Garrow, as Eragon's close friend Roran is about to leave. The words are as follows:

"First, let no one rule your mind or body . Take special care that your thoughts remain unfettered. One may be a free man and yet be bound tighter than a slave. Give men your ear, but not your heart. Show respect for those in power, but don't follow them blindly. Judge with logic and reason, but comment not."

Garrow's speech continues: "Consider none your superior, whatever their rank or station in life. Treat all fairly or they will seek revenge. Be careful with your money. Hold fast to your beliefs and others will listen.

There was a bit on love after that, but the author of this blog does not entirely agree with it due to the superficial nature of some women these days. But other than that, certainly words to live by from the narrative of an excellent author. It's a living shame more people wouldn't heed it. So many of us are slaves to our devices, yet we feel free. What if once in a while, we decided to just completely get away from our computers and experience something different? I do it on a regular basis, I have hobbies outside computers, runescape, etc. I play piano, guitar, and I do a bit of woodcrafting now and then. It, for the time being, reminds me I myself am not a machine.

As for Garrow's other words about reasoning with those of power, I cannot agree more with them. People like Obama prove we really need to judge someone by their actions and their motivations, and not just their character. And above all I try to put logic and reason above my own vanity, though it can be difficult when you're put in a rock and a hard place. For example: I've had a few times where it was late at night and my mother forgot her keys. I was tired and didn't want to let her into her own apartment (I live on my own, but she lives in the building next to me). But I let her in, simply because I knew that she would have to face a drunk husband six blocks away and I didn't want that risk. My mother and I are close, despite the fact that she can be quite commanding.

Recently my character was put to the test when she wanted me to loan her my $1500 laptop. Well, it wasn't easily replaced, and at first I said no. It didn't help that she didn't particularly care well for her own possessions in terms of electronics. But as time wore on, I realized she needed the laptop and gave it to her. Further down the line, though, I got an older and somewhat needy cat, and the stress grew. So I knew my limit, and explained to her that I simply couldn't handle the stress involved with having one of my prized possessions in hers, AND handling the cat.

I do hope she gets her own laptop back soon though.