The Classics Club
When I was discharged from the U. S. Army, I was awarded a 100-percent disability pension and lived with my parents in Galway. I was 19 years old and all my youthful hopes and plans for the future were gone.
I spent my time avidly pursuing the only activity open to me – reading. I subscribed to the Walter J. Black Classics Club. Each month I received in the mail one or two books by the authors who helped shape the definition of what has been called “Western Civilization.” Physically, I was severely restrained; mentally, I was free to roam through time and place - to go wherever the best minds of our civilization chose to take me while they shared their best thoughts with me. I devoured the contents of the books as a starving man devourers food.
Walter J. Black’s publications nurtured me through the most difficult period of my life and, incidentally, gave me a firm foundation for an intellectual life. I have the Classic Club books still. I should point out that, for me, books are like friends. You may lose track them over the years, but you never throw one away.
From this experience I learned: Words matter. So read and live in your mind. When overwhelmed by adversity, only from your mind can a defense be mounted. Both the intellectual and emotional reserves you need to resist your fate are drawn from your character, and your character is strengthened and deepened by the knowledge you gain through reading. When most needed, the thoughts of authors you have read will come to you and sustain you, and you will know you neither alone nor helpless.
In my case, it was the words of Robert Service in his poem The Quitter:
I spent my time avidly pursuing the only activity open to me – reading. I subscribed to the Walter J. Black Classics Club. Each month I received in the mail one or two books by the authors who helped shape the definition of what has been called “Western Civilization.” Physically, I was severely restrained; mentally, I was free to roam through time and place - to go wherever the best minds of our civilization chose to take me while they shared their best thoughts with me. I devoured the contents of the books as a starving man devourers food.
Walter J. Black’s publications nurtured me through the most difficult period of my life and, incidentally, gave me a firm foundation for an intellectual life. I have the Classic Club books still. I should point out that, for me, books are like friends. You may lose track them over the years, but you never throw one away.
From this experience I learned: Words matter. So read and live in your mind. When overwhelmed by adversity, only from your mind can a defense be mounted. Both the intellectual and emotional reserves you need to resist your fate are drawn from your character, and your character is strengthened and deepened by the knowledge you gain through reading. When most needed, the thoughts of authors you have read will come to you and sustain you, and you will know you neither alone nor helpless.
In my case, it was the words of Robert Service in his poem The Quitter:
“You’re sick of the game!” Well, now, that’s a shame.
You’re young and you’re brave and you’re bright
“You’ve had a raw deal!” I know – but don’t squeal,
Buck up, do your damndest, and fight.
It’s the plugging away that will win you the day.”
posted by Bob Baker at 4:33 AM
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