The Cossacks

Yesterday I finished reading The Cossacks by Tolstoy. It was very good, leaving much to be mulled over and understood at a later time. It's a slim volume, but would require multiple readings to fully grasp a lot of the symbolism and social commentary. The following, however, is obviously a standout passage. It occurs about half way through the story and is an epiphany by the wealthy main character, who has been living as a hedonist for his entire life:
"This is what happiness is!" he said to himself. "How clear it is." [....] He was filled with such joy and excitement at discovering this new truth that he jumped up, and in his impatience began wondering who he could sacrifice himself for, who he could do good to, who he could love. "As one needs nothing for oneself, why not live for others?" he thought.

It's not a unique philosophy. In fact, living with this mindset is one of the primary goals for a Christian. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this passage immensely and found in it a good deal of encouragement.

Target Practice

Today I had an experience that reminded me of Alyosha from The Brothers Karamazov. I was riding my bike (Mr. Belvedere) up a steep hill in a sparsly populated residential area when a rock whizzed by my head and skidded along the ground. I stopped and turned around to see three boys standing about 25 yards away. The oldest couldn't have been over 11, and the other two were probably in fourth grade. I just stood there staring at the older one. Then I said, "That's not funny, kid." He just stared at me. I just stared at him. After what seemed like a long time, I started riding again. Two more rocks flew past me. I had no idea how to react, so I just kept riding.

Damaged Goods

Right in your own backyard

Simplification for oneself often leads to a complication for another

$3.00 + Emissions < Negative Calories + Fun

I'm commuting to work by bicycle now. I've been thinking about doing this for a while. I finally pulled the trigger. A kid in the front row was making fun of kids who ride bikes to school. I told him I was thinking of doing the same. Good for the heart, good for the mind, good for the world. He said I shouldn't do that. It would make me a dork. That's the day I decided to get an efficient bike and leave the car at home. I'm excited to show the him the safety light on the back. After he sees the water-shielding fenders, I'm cofident he'll trade in his monster truck for a bike of his own.