Be still

27 May 2025

All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.

Blaise Pascal

To live with lucidity a simple, quiet, discreet life among intelligent books, loving a few beings.

Nicolás Gómez Dávila

People try to get away from it all—to the country, to the beach, to the mountains. You always wish that you could too. Which is foolish: you can get away from it anytime you like.

By going within.

Nowhere you can go is more peaceful—more free of interruptions—than your own soul. Especially if you have other things to rely on. An instant’s recollection and there it is: complete tranquillity. And by tranquillity I mean a kind of harmony.

So keep getting away from it all—like that. Renew yourself. But keep it brief and basic. A quick visit should be enough to ward off all worry and send you back ready to face what awaits you.

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.3