Good day, readers. Today is March 7th, the 66th day of the year 2024, with 300 days remaining.
Art is the proper task of life.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1785, Alessandro Manzoni, an Italian poet and novelist, was born. His novel The Betrothed is widely regarded as one of the most important works of Italian literature, known for its deep moral insight and its influence on the Italian unification process through its exploration of social justice.
Notable Birthdays:
- Luther Burbank (March 7, 1849 – April 11, 1926), an American botanist, horticulturist, and pioneer in agricultural science, was born on this day. Although not a traditional literary figure, Burbank authored and contributed to a variety of horticultural books and publications that have been influential in botanical sciences.
- Bret Easton Ellis (born March 7, 1964), an American author known for his often controversial novels such as American Psycho, celebrates his birthday today. His works are noted for their intense exploration of consumerism, mental health, and the macabre side of the American dream.
Today’s Readings:
From The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni: “I am not asking you to help me; I want to help you. I am offering you an opportunity of doing, in a perfectly safe way, a grand and beautiful act of charity.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On March 7, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for an invention he called the telephone. This monumental invention not only revolutionized communication across the globe but also deeply influenced literary narratives, introducing new themes of connectivity and the impacts of technology on society.
Reflection:
As we delve deeper into March, consider the power of transformation—both in the natural world, as observed by Luther Burbank, and within the realms of our societal structures and personal lives, as depicted in Manzoni’s writings. The stories we read and the histories we recall all hold lessons on change and the potential for renewal.
Poem of the Day:
The Lake Isle of Innisfree by William Butler Yeats:
And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.
Advice for Writers:
Inspired by Bret Easton Ellis, challenge yourself to explore the darker or less discussed aspects of human nature in your writing. Such themes can provoke thought, evoke strong emotions, and provide a deeper look into the complexities of modern life.
Have a thoughtful and creative day, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your engagement with literature inspire and transform you.