Good day, readers. Today is June 28th, the 180th day of the year 2024, with 186 days remaining.
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated in Sarajevo, an event that triggered the beginning of World War I. This cataclysmic event has been explored in countless works of literature, reflecting on the war’s profound impact on society and the human psyche.
Notable Birthdays:
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, born on June 28, 1712, was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer. His political philosophy influenced the Enlightenment across Europe, as well as aspects of the French Revolution and the development of modern political, economic, and educational thought.
Today’s Readings:
From The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: “The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On June 28th, 1953, the first Chevrolet Corvette was produced, symbolizing a new era in American automotive history. This iconic car has appeared in numerous literary works and films, symbolizing freedom, rebellion, and the American dream.
Poem of the Day:
“Sonnet 18” by William Shakespeare:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimmed;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature’s changing course untrimmed;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st:
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.
Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18” is one of his most famous poems, celebrating the enduring beauty of the beloved and the immortalizing power of poetry. Its elegant language and timeless themes make it a perfect reflection for today.
Advice for Writers:
Inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s quote, think about how you can overcome doubts and push the boundaries of your creativity. Embrace bold ideas and let your writing reflect your confidence in your unique voice and vision.
Wishing you a day of fearless reading and writing, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your literary pursuits be bold and boundless.
Great FDR quote here. We were just discussing yesterday how in order to properly look forward to our future, we must do everything we can to not throw away today.
Thank you, my love! I love you!