Author Topic: The Lotus Eater  (Read 3188 times)

vern

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The Lotus Eater
« on: July 14, 2014, 12:24:36 AM »
A short story about early retirement by W. Somerset Maugham.

http://maugham.classicauthors.net/lotuseater/


grantmeaname

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Re: The Lotus Eater
« Reply #1 on: July 19, 2014, 03:35:03 PM »
Upon opening this article, my first impression is holy-shit-wordiness:
Quote from: the oxford english dictionary
Most people, the vast majority in fact, lead the lives that circumstances have thrust upon them, and though some repine, looking upon themselves as round pegs in square holes, and think that if things had been different they might have made a much better showing, the greater part accept their lot, if not with serenity, at all events with resignation. They are like train-cars travelling forever on the selfsame rails. They go backwards and forwards, backwards and forwards, inevitably, till they can go no longer and then are sold as scrap-iron. It is not often that you find a man who has boldly taken the course of his life into his own hands. When you do, it is worth while having a good look at him.

It is an interesting early mention of Mustachianism though. I don't think I agree with the author's central message, but it was an interesting read nonetheless.

plantingourpennies

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Re: The Lotus Eater
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2014, 12:08:31 PM »
It is an interesting early mention of Mustachianism though. I don't think I agree with the author's central message, but it was an interesting read nonetheless.

I'm always fascinated by what people consider "Mustachian," do you really mean that attempting suicide after out-living your (too-small) nest egg falls into that category?

Love the philosophical questions the story raises, but from a Personal Finance point of view it is a sad and cautionary tale.

Best,
Mr. PoP

Edit:More reading below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus-eaters

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/348576/Lotus-Eater
« Last Edit: July 20, 2014, 12:22:06 PM by plantingourpennies »

grantmeaname

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Re: The Lotus Eater
« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2014, 06:15:27 AM »
It is an interesting early mention of Mustachianism though. I don't think I agree with the author's central message, but it was an interesting read nonetheless.
I'm always fascinated by what people consider "Mustachian," do you really mean that attempting suicide after out-living your (too-small) nest egg falls into that category?
Yeah, that was definitely the part of the story I thought was mustachian.