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Billy Budd and Other Tales

Herman Melville's 'Billy Budd and Other Tales' is a compilation of short stories that delve into the complexities of human nature and the sea. The title story, 'Billy Budd,' is a poignant narrative about a young sailor's tragic fate, set against the backdrop of the British navy. The collection also encompasses other tales that examine themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for survival at sea. Melville's vivid descriptions and intricate character development make this a compelling read for those interested in the human condition and the sea's enduring influence on life and literature. more

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Herman Melville
Herman Melville

Herman Melville was a renowned 19th-century American novelist known for his profound psychological descriptions and unique literary style. His masterpiece, 'Moby-Dick', is considered a classic of American literature. more

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“The rage Jacob experienced was something new. He'd known fear and adrenaline in battle, but this was sheer unadulterated hatred. This was not the soldier who'd had killed Renee's family, but he was one of them. And he would do. Just a moment before Jacob had been lost in despair. Yet as his misery morphed into anger he felt better because now he had purpose and the purpose was vengeance. This enemy was going to pay for madam and the children and for Freddy and Leeland and all the others, too. He stared down the rifle barrel and saw... himself. Not Jacob Firestone, but pale blue eyes that reminded him very much of the teenage boy he faced in the mirror every day. In another life they could have been 12th-graders together swapping chemistry notes and talking about girls. He felt his finger loosening on the trigger. No, he exhorted himself. You walked away from an enemy in this orchard once before and look what happened. You can't let this one go. But when Jacob sighted down at the boy he beheld no menace. Only terror. There had been so much death and suffering already. What could possibly be gained by killing this poor, scared kid in the aftermath of a battle that was already over? Jacob lowered his rifle. "Get out of here, High School. Beat it!" And when the stunned boy scrambled up, gawked at him in disbelief and ran off, Jacob felt reborn.”

WarCompassionMercyForgivness
Book:War Stories
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“Sidenote on crying: there’s a procedure for that, too. More specifically, the procedure involves what to do about tissues. I teach my students crying is an effective way to express and release emotion. When patients and family members are vulnerable enough to cry in front of us, they give us a beautiful gift. Handing someone a box of tissues as soon as the tears start falling might feel helpful, but it can also send the message, “You’re making me uncomfortable. Please stop crying.” If I immediately shove a tissue box in someone’s face, the tears often stop. I’ve interrupted the flow of emotion. Instead, I just locate the tissue box in the room with my eyes. I don’t push it away like some sadist if the patient reaches for it; but until they do, or until they let out a sigh and start looking around the room for the box, I just let them talk and cry. Let the tears soak their hands, their sleeves, their blankets, whatever is available—let it all pour out! When they’re ready, their body language will let me know. Then I’ll hand them the tissues.”

HealingCompassionVulnerabilityCryingPastoral CareEmotional ExpressionChaplaincySpiritual CarePatient Experience
Author:Keith Wakefield
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“Religions all over the world have for centuries been telling people to serve humanity, ut this has not produced any effect, On the contrary, it has created hypocrites. People who are not blissful are unable to help anybody. You can only give light to others if you have the light in the first place. What has been happening is that blind people lead other blind people. This is a dangerous game, because if the blind person knows that he has nobody guiding him, then he tries to be aware and find his own way. He remains aware, careful and cautious. But if he finds somebody to lead him and guide him, then he need not be so alert. But if he is completely unaware that the guide is also blind, then there is more danger than before, and he will not live cautiously. He will think that somebody is there to take responsibility, so now he need not be alert. It is because of this situation - blind people leading other blind people - that the whole of humanity has almost become a madhouse. Life has almost become intolerable. And the people that have taught service to humanity have only hindered the growth of people. People start serving others, without knowing whether they are capable of helping others. The desire to guide others is there in anybody, because it is very ego-gratifying. That is why everybody is ready to give advice whether you ask for it or not. Only the people who are blissful can be helpers. Unless a man is conscious it is possible for him to guide anybody. One can help others only if one has first helped yourself. It begins from your very being, from your innermost core. There has been enough of the kind of help, which has done enough harm. The first step is to help yourself. If you can attain to light, to bliss and to an experience of godliness, then you are bound to help others. Then there is no need to say something about it. It will happen by itself, because your bliss, love, silence, light and truth will start overflowing. And only the joyful person can be helpful, the miserable person can only do harm. The most basic thing is to become blissful. You can only share what you have. A man who has learned to love himself will be able to love others. A man who has become blissful will be able to spread his bliss. One always gives whatsoever one has. One radiates it. It starts to radiate and to function on its own accord. It is a magic, which works on its own.”

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“We all found it was truly remarkable what everyone in this tiny town had done for us. We reflected on what it was that gave Ganderites their attitude of kindness to strangers. People told me that's just how they were raised. The people of Gander and all of Newfoundland have a deep sense of interconnectedness and compassion. They rely on each other, especially during the harsh winter months. It's not uncommon for someone to spend hours snow-blowing a neighbor's driveway before their own. The cold temperatures keep them indoors a lot, so entertaining guests for meals, drinking, and dancing in their homes is a way to be happy. I wished I could export some of that hospitality and kindness around the world. We've seen countless examples of people helping strangers after terrorist attacks and natural disasters, but why can't we treat each other this way on a regular basis?”

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Book:Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11
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