what one may promise

What One May Promise.—One may promise actions, but no sentiments, for these are involuntary. Whoever promises to love or hate a person, or be faithful to him for ever, promises something which is not within his power; he can certainly promise such actions as are usually the results of love, hate, or fidelity, but which may also spring from other motives; for many ways and motives lead to one and the same action. The promise to love some one for ever is, therefore, really: So long as I love you I will act towards you in a loving way; if I cease to love you, you will still receive the same treatment from me, although inspired by other motives, so that our fellow-men will still be deluded into the belief that our love is unchanged and ever the same. One promises, therefore, the continuation of the semblance of love, when, without self-deception, one speaks vows of eternal love.

Friedrich Nietzsche, Human All Too Human, #58

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for me

How do you build loyal subscribers?

While I really appreciate all people who read, like, and follow this blog, I write for me. If it connects with you that is a bonus. I collect quotes and random ideas for me. Maybe one day I will look back on some of the posts and be inspired to write for an audience. But for today I write for me.

hard work

Do you believe in soulmates? Why or why not?

In the past I would have instantly answered with a “yes”. But experience has taught me that any relationship has two parts. Sometimes people give up or stop trying.

Soulmates are not discovered but are created by two people working hard.

more about fasting

A religious Fast requires total abstinence, not only from all food (unless bodily weakness do manifestly disable from holding out till the Fast be ended, in which case somewhat may be taken, yet very sparingly, to support nature when ready to faint), but also from all worldly labour, discourses, and thoughts, and from all bodily delights (although at other times lawful), rich apparel, ornaments, and suchlike, during the Fast ; and much more from whatever is in the nature or use scandalous and offensive, as gaudish attire, lascivious habits and gestures, and other vanities of either sex ; which we recommend to all Ministers, in their places, diligently and zealously to reprove, as at other times, so especially at a Fast, without respect of persons, as there shall be occasion.

Before the public meeting each family and person apart are privately to use all religious care to prepare their hearts to such a solemn work, and to be early at the Congregation. So large a portion of the day as conveniently may be is to be spent in Public Reading and Preaching of the Word, with Singing of Psalms fit to quicken affections suitable to such a duty: but especially in Prayer, to this or the like effect.

Book of Common Order