Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

Sunday, November 15, 2009

On Beginning

The textbook I assign for my scriptwriting class has a great inspirational sort of mantra that I've always found to be true. In the book, it is attributed to Goethe - but this article explains the actual source. Where it came from doesn't really matter. The important thing is to read it and see if it helps inspire you to commit yourself to your dreams and endeavors. I hope it does.

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!"

- W.H. Murray

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

I Need Your Help

So, the book they're talking about in the news (you know, the one with the original medicinal Dr. Pepper recipe) is up for auction. It's listed at $25,000, which I don't really feel like spending on a book right now. Luckily, the auction includes a zoomable image of the page with the recipe on it. I've deciphered all of the ingredients except for one. Can anyone help me with this final word? It's some kind of root that begins with the letter "G". It doesn't appear to be any of the standards: ginger, ginseng, galangal. Please comment and let me know if you have any ideas.