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John Locked account

john@books.paladyn.org

Joined 2 years, 7 months ago

Retired scientist, I read a lot, fiction and non-fiction, on a wide range of subjects, though science, politics, philosophy, law, science fiction and historical detective stories are favourites.

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commented on The Little Virtues by Natalia Ginzburg

Natalia Ginzburg, Dick Davis: The Little Virtues (Paperback, Arcade Pub.) No rating

"As far as the education of children is concerned," states Natalia Ginzburg in this collection …

The Little Virtues

The little virtues - thrift, caution, shrewdness, tact, a desire for success - are contrasted with the great ones - generosity and an indifference to money, courage and a contempt for danger, frankness and a love of truth, love for one's neighbour and self-denial, a desire to be and to know. I believe there can be problems caused by not teaching children the importance of choices - that looking towards, and having some control over the future can be a good thing. Similarly frankness (or rudeness depending on viewpoint) comes naturally to some children, and that tact has to be learnt (and hence taught) as part of learning that others have feeling too, which should be considered.

I agree on the importance, for the fortunate, of a vocation, bur for the majority the most they can hope for is employment. Not everyone can be a writer, or …

Natalia Ginzburg, Dick Davis: The Little Virtues (Paperback, Arcade Pub.) No rating

"As far as the education of children is concerned," states Natalia Ginzburg in this collection …

The problem of our relationships with other human beings lies at the centre of our life: as soon as we become aware of this --- that is, as soon as we see it as a problem and no longer as the muddle of unhappiness, we start to look for its origins, and to reconstruct its course throughout our life.

The Little Virtues by , (Page 75)

The introduction to 'Human Relationships' in which Natalia presents her thoughts, as if they are universal, but which probably reflect her own experiences. I find I'm OK, You're OK and similar more informative, but some sections strike a chord.

commented on The Little Virtues by Natalia Ginzburg

Natalia Ginzburg, Dick Davis: The Little Virtues (Paperback, Arcade Pub.) No rating

"As far as the education of children is concerned," states Natalia Ginzburg in this collection …

Human Relationships

Describes the way our relationships with others evolve through our lives. Beginning with her view of little children's relationships with adults, followed by those of adolescents with adults and each other. The having, and changing, best friends, and the uncertainty about whether we will find 'the right person'. The sliding into a relationship with the right person without realising this, and the way having children changes our views on relationships, and what is important. Almost returning to the start with the adults relationships with small children, and how this changes as the children grow into adolescents.

Natalia Ginzburg, Dick Davis: The Little Virtues (Paperback, Arcade Pub.) No rating

"As far as the education of children is concerned," states Natalia Ginzburg in this collection …

There has been a war and people have seen so many homes reduced to rubble that they no longer feel safe in their own homes which once seemed so quiet and secure. This is something that is incurable and will never be cured no matter how many years go by. True we have a lamp on the table again, and a little vase of flowers, and pictures of our loved ones, but we can no longer trust any of these things because once, suddenly, we had to leave them behind, or because we have searched through the rubble for them in vain.

The Little Virtues by , (Page 49)

Although this was written in Turin, in 1946, ordinary people in many places, are still having their homes reduced to rubble, or having to flee the place where they have made their home

commented on The Little Virtues by Natalia Ginzburg

Natalia Ginzburg, Dick Davis: The Little Virtues (Paperback, Arcade Pub.) No rating

"As far as the education of children is concerned," states Natalia Ginzburg in this collection …

The Son of Man

The title is a reference to Matthew 8:20 where Jesus says 'The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head'. This is linked to the destruction by war of peoples homes, and how those have experienced this can never feel safe again

commented on The Little Virtues by Natalia Ginzburg

Natalia Ginzburg, Dick Davis: The Little Virtues (Paperback, Arcade Pub.) No rating

"As far as the education of children is concerned," states Natalia Ginzburg in this collection …

England: Eulogy and Lament

Written in London in 1961, some of the descriptions seem outdated, but others resonate. The food and drink has transformed since then, and some social attitudes may have changed.

commented on The Little Virtues by Natalia Ginzburg

Natalia Ginzburg, Dick Davis: The Little Virtues (Paperback, Arcade Pub.) No rating

"As far as the education of children is concerned," states Natalia Ginzburg in this collection …

Worn-Out Shoes

She recollects her time alone in Rome during the German occupation when she had no choice but to wear worn-out shoes. Old shoes provide a connection with a friend, as well as where shoes fit in her financial priorities.

Natalia Ginzburg, Dick Davis: The Little Virtues (Paperback, Arcade Pub.) No rating

"As far as the education of children is concerned," states Natalia Ginzburg in this collection …

But that was the best time of my life, and only now that is has gone forever -- only now do I realize it.

The Little Virtues by , (Page 8)

Her internal exile with her husband in the town of Pizzoli lasted from 1940 to 1943. On their return to Rome he was arrested and imprisoned and died in February 1944.

replied to Ji FU's status

@fu@millefeuilles.cloud I don't think there is anything wrong with having roots in a place, but I, my wife, my siblings and cousins, work colleagues and the majority of people, but not all, left home for education and work, and made their lives in a new place or places. I do have friends who have lived in this area all their lives,, but not the majority. In these terms I am an Anywhere, generally mixing with Anywheres. The problem is that most politicians and decision makers are also Anywheress - so can they really represent of speak for the 60% who can have different priorities?