Good day, readers. Today is October 12th, the 286th day of the year 2024, with 80 days remaining.
Something that has always bewildered me is that in capitalist societies, if someone hoards objects, they are called a hoarder, but whenever someone hoards money to the point that they impoverish others, they are called successful.
Thomas Slatin
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1492, Christopher Columbus made landfall in the Americas, an event that drastically altered the course of history. This momentous discovery has been explored in countless historical and literary works, reflecting on its profound impact on indigenous cultures and global exploration.
Notable Birthdays:
Luciano Pavarotti, born on October 12, 1935, was an Italian operatic tenor known for his extraordinary voice and charismatic performances. His contributions to music and opera have inspired numerous biographies and documentaries, celebrating his life and talent.
Today’s Readings:
From “Open Your Eyes” by Luciano Pavarotti: “People think I’m disciplined. It is not discipline. It is devotion. There is a great difference.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On October 12th, 1979, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams was published. This humorous and philosophical science fiction series has become a beloved classic, known for its wit and insight into the human condition.
Advice for Writers:
Thomas Slatin’s quote invites us to question societal values and the paradoxes within them. In your writing, challenge conventional perspectives and explore the deeper implications of wealth, success, and morality, crafting narratives that provoke thought and inspire change.
Wishing you a day of provocative writing and inspired creativity, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your literary endeavors be as thought-provoking and impactful as the questions you dare to ask.
One of my favorite details from The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy is that all anyone has to do is deposit one penny in the present and the accrued interest will pay for their meal at Milliways, the restaurant at the end of the universe. Since no one ever seems to be asked to pay maybe the real lesson is that finally, at the end, everyone’s equal.
My two favorite currency-related quotes from the series are as follows:
In The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, the second book in the series. It describes the currency on the planet Frogstar, where “rubber bands” are used as a form of currency:
“On the planet Frogstar, the principle form of currency is the Frogstar Rubber Band, which is not negotiable and cannot be exchanged for goods or services.”
This satirical line mocks the absurdity of certain financial systems, much like many other concepts in Adams’ humorous and brilliantly imaginative universe.
And the second quote, from Life, the Universe and Everything, the third book in Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series…
“They’ve got this terrible, stupid, big, oversized economy. They can’t cut down on the size of their currency because nobody would be able to pick up the coins. They tried using smaller coins, but then they just fell through the cracks in the floor.”
Adams was an absolute genius of a writer!
My dad is a true opera buff so I grew up listening to Pavarotti! And, the answer is 42.
The significance of 42 serves as a parody of humanity’s search for meaning in the universe. Douglas Adams once stated in an interview that he chose 42 at random, and there is no hidden meaning or deeper significance to it, although fans have continued to speculate and build theories about why he picked it. 🙂