Good Books Teach Us To Enjoy Life, Or To Endure It*

Fig. 1. Gerhard Richter - Lesende, 1994


'When we read a story, we inhabit it. The covers of the book are like a roof and four walls. What is to happen next will take place within the four walls of the story. And this is possible because the story's voice makes everything its own.'

John Berger

* 'Books should teach us to enjoy life, or to endure it.' (Samuel Johnson)

Addendum: Quotes from Anonymous and Larissa (see comments):


'Le métier d'écrire est une violente et presque indestructible passion.'

George Sand

'Les livres ne sont pas des objets comme les autres pour les femmes; depuis l'aube du christianisme jusqu'à aujourd'hui, entre nous et eux, circule un courant chaud, une affinité secrète, une relation étrange et singulière tissée d'interdits, d'appropriations, de réincorporations.'

Laure Adler

'I cannot sleep unless I am surrounded by books.'

Jorge Luis Borges

Feeling (And Seeing) The World As A Limited Whole*

Fig. 1. Desiree Dolron - Xteriors VIII, 2004


'Death changes the facts qualitatively but not quantitatively.'

John Berger

'Feeling the world as a limited whole - it is this that is mystical.' (Ludwig Wittgenstein)

Signor C. Regrets He's Unable To Lunch Today*

Fig. 1. Loretta Lux - At The Window, 2004


'Autobiography begins with a sense of being alone. It is an orphan form.'

John Berger

* Miss Otis Regrets - Cole Porter, 1934

Addendum: A Stranger Miss Otis You're Unlikely To Find

Kirsty MacColl & The 1st Battalion Of Irish Guards - Miss Otis Regrets (Jools Holland Hootenanny, 1995)