The Muses Companion – May 7, 2024

Good day, readers. Today is May 7th, the 127th day of the year 2024, with 239 days remaining.

The tragic hero gives up everything in order to fulfill his duty. His deed is the fulfillment of duty and nothing but duty; for the sake of duty he renounces everything. But the movement of faith must constantly be made by virtue of the absurd, yet in such a way, let me say, that one does not lose the finite but gains it every inch. For example, by my own strength I cannot get the least little thing that belongs to finitude, for my strength is impotent, whether the task is to get the least thing or the greatest; I can only get everything, and by virtue of the absurd I must get it by virtue of the fact that for God everything is possible.

Søren Kierkegaard

Today in Literary History:

On this day in 1840, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the Russian composer whose works have transcended the realm of music to inspire countless literary adaptations and references, was born. His ballets, like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, and symphonies are infused with narratives that speak to the universal human experience.

Notable Birthdays:

Johannes Brahms (May 7, 1833 – April 3, 1897), a German composer and pianist, was also born on this day. Brahms’ compositions, known for their depth and technical mastery, evoke a rich emotional landscape that has often been explored in biographical and critical literary works.

Today’s Readings:

From War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy:

“We can know only that we know nothing. And that is the highest degree of human wisdom.”

Literary Fact of the Day:

On this day in 1915, the RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat, leading to the deaths of 1,198 passengers and crew. This tragic event has been the subject of numerous historical and fictional accounts, exploring its impact on World War I and its broader social and political ramifications.

Reflection:

As we enjoy the beauty and renewal of May, let us reflect on the depth of human creativity and emotion expressed through the works of Tchaikovsky and Brahms. Their music, much like the narratives in great literature, challenges us to feel deeply and think profoundly about our own lives and the world around us.

Poem of the Day:

“May” by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day.
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You’re one month on in the middle of May.

Advice for Writers:

Draw inspiration from the emotional and thematic complexity found in the works of great composers and writers. Consider how the arts intermingle, enhancing and expanding each other’s reach. Let the richness of May’s growth inspire your narratives, crafting stories that resonate with depth and feeling.

May your day be as enriching as the music of Brahms and as profound as the insights of Tolstoy. Until tomorrow, may your creative endeavors capture the spirit of this vibrant season.