NEWSLETTER 1
Hello mortals and others,
I hope you are doing well ? if not, that’s okay. I hope this newsletter will bring a little comfort. As for myself, I am trying to make the most of my last few days in New York City. I have been here for almost three months. I met so many people, most of whom I became quite good friends with. I had both good and bad moments. I know for sure that I have learned a lot about myself during this time. One thing I know about myself for sure is that, when the outside world get overwhelming, I try to find solace in the little things. Learning brings me a lot of comfort and fulfilment . Since I don’t like hoarding beautiful things, I am writing this newsletter to share them with you. Don’t question it too much, try to go through the list with an open heart.
1/ David foster Wallace’s commencement speech: This is water
A guy I met in a UN social event had “this is water” tattooed on his head. that’s how I learned about David Foster Wallace. It was Thursday September 12th. David Foster Wallace killed himself on the 12th of September, 2008. It can be a coincidence right. Is he trying to reach out to tell me something? I will let you know if I receive any signs.
2/ The essay Four Hours in Shatila by Jean Genet
In Four Hours in Shatila, French writer Jean Genet describes the aftermath of the 1982 massacre in the Shatila camp. “The dead no longer exist, their tragedy is over. For them, it’s the living that matter: they can remember.” I WILL LEAVE THIS HERE!
3/ The song Daydreamer by David Cassidy
For some reason I needed to google someone whose last name is Cassidy but I mistakenly typed David Cassidy. Turns out this guy was a huge star in the 70’s. A HUGE STAR! His life is so interesting. Anyways, nothing is ever a coincidence right? so I listened to his songs. I recommend this as a start!
4/ This verse from the Quran
“وَاصْبِرْ لِحُكْمِ رَبِّكَ فَإِنَّكَ بِأَعْيُنِنَا”
الطور/48
5/ The Merchant and Death:
Once upon a time, a wealthy merchant in Baghdad was preparing for a trip to a distant city. As he went about his business, he encountered Death in the marketplace. Death gave the merchant a menacing look, which terrified him. The merchant, fearing his end was near, immediately set out to flee from Death.
He hastily traveled to Samarra, another city, hoping to escape his fate. When he arrived there, he saw Death again, this time in the same city where he had sought refuge. The merchant was bewildered and perplexed, wondering how Death had found him so quickly.
He confronted Death and asked, “Why did you scare me in Baghdad, only to meet me here?”
Death responded calmly, “I didn’t mean to frighten you. I was merely surprised to see you in Baghdad, as I have an appointment with you here in this city.
YOU ENCOUNTER YOUR FATE ON THE ROAD YOU TAKE TO AVOID IT.