Wow! What an inspiring post. So many way productive and positive ways of playing the hand you're dealt.
One question re clutter: The main clutter I have is my approximately 3,000 books in my home office and my downtown office. I actually use them. I can't know which ones to use in advance. It's wonderful, though, when I'm writing an article or Substack post and I want to know what Hayek, or Bhagwati, or Pinker said in a book, that I can go a few steps and find the reference. Any suggestions about how, or whether, to reduce that clutter.
The only thing I know of Neville Shute is “On the Beach.” I shall look into this one. He was an engineer, so I can see where this subject would be in his wheelhouse.
"Round the Bend" is a breathtaking piece of work. It was in my mind constantly when I was finishing my aircraft maintenance technican rating. For "doing the small things well" I also recommend his very early novel "Ruined City."
Thank you for this absolutely beautiful essay. I also practice much of what you advise in your essay, more so since retiring. The importance of silence and routine is vastly under appreciated in our society. The peace and contentment that comes completing even the most mundane tasks, conscientiously and consciously, and keeping ones home clean and uncluttered is remarkable. I doubt this even occurs to most people.
This is my favorite version of "Auld Lang Syne" -- a different tune than the well-known version, performed by my good friends the Pyrates Royale at a First Night in your home town, Alexandria VA. Probably 25 years ago, and one of the band and probably many in the audience gone now.
Retirement, I have found, is a grief of sort unto itself. No comparison to losing a spouse, but I found your thoughts to be helpful as I walk my way through the first six months of retirement, after working 50+ years...thank you for sharing this...
May the sun continue to shine on your face with the wind at your back, Robert. You inspire all who read these pages.
Wow! What an inspiring post. So many way productive and positive ways of playing the hand you're dealt.
One question re clutter: The main clutter I have is my approximately 3,000 books in my home office and my downtown office. I actually use them. I can't know which ones to use in advance. It's wonderful, though, when I'm writing an article or Substack post and I want to know what Hayek, or Bhagwati, or Pinker said in a book, that I can go a few steps and find the reference. Any suggestions about how, or whether, to reduce that clutter.
P.S. Very nice singing.
Have you read much Neville Shute? His book “Round the Bend” made a particular impression on me as far as doing the small things well.
The only thing I know of Neville Shute is “On the Beach.” I shall look into this one. He was an engineer, so I can see where this subject would be in his wheelhouse.
My favorite Shute Book is “A Town like Alice” That one is worth a read as well. A lot of his books take place in the outback.
"Round the Bend" is a breathtaking piece of work. It was in my mind constantly when I was finishing my aircraft maintenance technican rating. For "doing the small things well" I also recommend his very early novel "Ruined City."
I’ve added the two books mentioned to my reading list
Thank you for this absolutely beautiful essay. I also practice much of what you advise in your essay, more so since retiring. The importance of silence and routine is vastly under appreciated in our society. The peace and contentment that comes completing even the most mundane tasks, conscientiously and consciously, and keeping ones home clean and uncluttered is remarkable. I doubt this even occurs to most people.
This is my favorite version of "Auld Lang Syne" -- a different tune than the well-known version, performed by my good friends the Pyrates Royale at a First Night in your home town, Alexandria VA. Probably 25 years ago, and one of the band and probably many in the audience gone now.
https://open.spotify.com/track/6rtyt9LOrVPzIdHSgl22Ng?si=319ee3681e1046d8
Welcome back Mr. Graboyes. I’ve missed your insights into various aspects of life.
Retirement, I have found, is a grief of sort unto itself. No comparison to losing a spouse, but I found your thoughts to be helpful as I walk my way through the first six months of retirement, after working 50+ years...thank you for sharing this...
Thank you.