Monday, December 6, 2010

Like a man with his head on fire...

I'm currently reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. And I'm literally forcing myself to read in a remarkably slow manner because I just dont want to lose a friend. And I know that the movie got some not-so-hot reviews which made people all of a sudden critique her book. Wasn't the book receiving all sorts of accolade not too long ago?

Some people said that the book has given women a false sense of hope that they can indisputably leave their lives, drop everything, become selfish, and travel the world. When put that way, of course it sounds preposterous. But nevertheless, so what if it is? Isn't that the whole purpose of books, television shows, and movies.

To escape reality?

Anyways all of that is besides the point, and my intention for writing this post wasn't necessarily to pay homage to the book (just yet).

On the other hand, I wanted to share an excerpt from it that serves as a reminder and I also felt most of us could connect with, one way or another:

Life continues to go on. Even the Italian post office will keep limping along, doing its own thing without you---why are you so sure that your micromanagement of every moment in this whole world is essential? Why dont you let it be?

I hear this argument and it appeals to me. I believe in it, intellectually, I really do. But then I wonder--- with all my restless yearning, with all my hyped-up fervor and with this stupidly hungry nature of mine--what should I do with my energy instead?

The answer arrives, too:

Look for God,
suggests my Guru. Look for God like a man with his head on fire looks for water.

-Elizabeth Gilbert-Eat, Pray, Love



12 comments:

CC said...

wow...sounds like Rumi.

EmptyWords said...

I liked this quote... a lot

Facta Non Verba said...

I tried to read this book. I'll reserve my criticism until you do your book review :)So as to not contaminate your opinion.

Anonymous said...

I couldn't even finish that book. It was a drag lol. And i thought u already read it??? Remember i had it the call center? I think back then we were like "heard it's gonna be a movie!!" wow seems so long ago.

Secretly Identified said...

Wow very interesting quote..

PI said...

so stealing the quoete

Kate said...

That's powerful...

Mrs. Cullen said...

i want to read it during break. finish it by next friday? please? and then u can make another friend with another book?

Nomadic Cognition said...

Love the quote!

As for the concept of dropping everything and just doing what you want... well, that is an escape from reality. There are times when we should be spontaneous and there are times when we should be serious about the actions we take...especially if our decisions affect those around us. Just my two cents.

Nina said...

I never read the book, but the quote is empowering.
As for traveling the world, I don't think it's preposterous as long as you have the time and money and you're not abandoning your responsibilities.
Life isn't fun without a little adventure here and there. :)
Just my humble opinion.

Anonymous said...

Can you tell me where in the book this quote is found?

Sana said...

Anonymous - I just googled it and it said page 207. I havent read the book yet, so I can't confirm this. Hope it is right and I hope it helps!