Reading Goals Progress

I read 153 books between January and September!


Then I just stopped.  For the last month, I've been reading bits and pieces of things before I go to sleep.  That's about it.

Since I've totally met my 52 books in 52 weeks goal already, it might be good to do some rereading now of old favorites.   The problem with old favorites is that I read a page or two, find something that strikes me, then fall to musing and then that's as far as I get.  But I suppose that's OK, too.    It's good to be reminded of old things, and sometimes I see them in a different light, because I am older now, too. 

Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend. Abeunt studia in mores [Studies pass into and influence manners]. Nay, there is no stond or impediment in the wit but may be wrought out by fit studies; like as diseases of the body may have appropriate exercises. Bowling is good for the stone and reins; shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding for the head; and the like. So if a man’s wit be wandering, let him study the mathematics; for in demonstrations, if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again. If his wit be not apt to distinguish or find differences, let him study the Schoolmen; for they are cymini sectores [splitters of hairs]. If he be not apt to beat over matters, and to call up one thing to prove and illustrate another, let him study the lawyers’ cases. So every defect of the mind may have a special receipt.  -- Of Studies, by Francis Bacon

Edited to Add:  I just started reading Quo Vadis.  It's free on ereaders!   It's about the early Church in the days of Nero, but that's all I really know, except that it's fiction.    I usually don't read commentaries until I've finished the book.   I haven't read a fiction book for a while, so I thought I'd try, since I am living and breathing the Early Church nowadays.  : )