My Latest Reads

the last couple months i've finished a few books that i thought i'd share, since i know your all dying to know about what i read.

Einstein: His Life and Universe. a little long and somewhat repetitive it was still quite interesting. the minds of geniuses has always been intriguing to me. what makes them tick? how does their mind work? why are they considered a genius? he was a bit of a loner and had some troubles dealing with problems in his own family. yet he was passionately humanistic. he believed in a supreme being, so to speak, yet was not religious in the sense of being church-going. he looked at nature in awe and his reverence for its simplicity and beauty inspired him throughout his scientific career. here's a quote i like from the book:

"the value of a college education is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think."



His Excellency: George Washington. in this book he's described as a man worried about his reputation in the ages to come. very meticulous in his detailed management of affairs, both at home and in the military. a born leader, he was one who had the ability to inspire those around him. a very humble man, yet one who could also be somewhat indecisive. never sought for power or appointment. had an amazing characteristic to keep himself composed under any circumstance. a highly admired and respected man in all arenas of life, for good reason. a quote that aptly describes him i think:

"i did not seek the office with which you have honored me... (and now can show) only the grey hairs of a man who has... either in a civil or military character, spent five and forty years- all the prime of his life- in serving his country... (who only wanted to) be suffered to pass quietly to the grave, and that his errors, however numerous; if they are not criminal, may be consigned to the tomb of oblivion, as he himself will soon be to the mansion of retirement."



1776. the story of the revolution during that pivotal year. after learning more about the absolute desperate plight that faced our country during that time, one can only attribute its outcome to the hand of God. we had no good reason to win that war. everything pointed (and worked) against those early revolutionaries in terms of success. if this was not a land destined to be one of promise, then we would have lost. to be so vastly outnumbered while at the same time being so inexperienced, i cant believe they prevailed. divine intervention really is the only plausible explanation for our gaining independence.

"the reflection upon my situation and that of this army produces many an uneasy hour when all around me are wrapped in sleep. few people know the predicament we are in." (george washington)