Wednesday, March 25, 2009



I just started to read The Great Gatsby by J. Scott Fitzgerald. My mom and I have decided that we want to read all the classics so I dusted off an old version from 1953 that was just sitting on my shelf. I actually took it from the last apartment I lived in. There was a community bookshelf of sorts in the lobby area so one day I snatched it up. I just wanted to share a few words of wisdom I found on the first page. It is quite good advice if I say so myself.

Chapter One

In my younger  and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. 

"Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, " he told me, "just remember that all the people in the world haven't had the advantages that you've had."

Reserving Judgments is a matter of infinite hope. 

I think a lot of us want to say we are non-judgmental but even I catch myself judging other people without thinking about where they come from or why they are the way they are. I like the idea that reserving judgement is a matter of infinite hope. When we let go of judgement we are able to see the best in people. When we see the best in people we are able to show them the best part of ourselves.  Reading can teach such great lessons! 





7 comments:

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  2. I LOVE this book but must confess that for me the face of Gatsby and the voice of Gatsby will forever be, Robert Redford... "sigh"...

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  3. When I worked at the library I was constantly reminded of how many classic books I haven't read yet. This is one of them, lol...

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  4. how can i have not read this yet?? it is next for sure!

    funny side note: ryan announced last night that he loves the name fitzgerald and wants us to name our next son that...i'm guessing f. scott would approve??

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  5. F. Scott is a great writer. If you like the Great Gatsby you should check out his short story Winter Dreams. Awesome. Can I brag that I only live a few blocks from the apartment that he lived in here in St. Paul? Because I just did.

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  6. That is so cool Kat! I will definitely have to check out more of F. Scott Fitzgerald's work!

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  7. This is one of my favorite books, a very good read. I hope that you enjoy it!

    - Kristin

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