Way back in January, I shared the Read the Classics in 2013 challenge from the Huffington Post blog with you over on the MMD facebook page.
Had I actually accepted this challenge, I would be dismally failing at it. Thankfully, that’s not what we’re talking about today.
What I’m really interested in is how the author defined a “classic,” and it goes like this:
“A classic is any book that is not a new book, one that merits re-reading, 5, 10, even 100 years or more after its publication. The library of the tiny, liberal arts college I attended had the words of John Ruskin etched just outside its doors: “All books are divisible into two classes, the books of the hour, and the books of all time.” It is the latter of these categories that I refer to as classics, books that are not the books of the moment.”
I like this definition.
What you may not realize is this definition uses the same categories I use to decide what to cover here on MMD. Not just in books, but in life, there are topics of the hour, and topics of interest for all time. Topics for now, and topics for always.
Hot lipstick colors for spring? Of the hour. Looking good with what you’ve got? For all time.
Whether to breastfeed at the mall? Of the hour. Figuring out how to fit a new baby into your family’s rhythms? For all time.
Finding a great book to gift to a kid you love? Of the hour. Teaching the next generation? For all time.
This is what this blog is about. The best posts here–the ones that resonate with you the most–happen at the intersection of Now and Always. They combine the timeless and the timely.
It’s my pleasure to talk about those things here with you. Thanks for reading, and thanks for letting me give you a peek behind the scenes today.
19 comments
That is a perfect definition of your blog! I’m going to be thinking about the Intersection of Now and Always all day. You’re a classic, Anne (sorry, couldn’t resist).
Thanks, Kelly!
I love it Anne, like I said… so intentional. You’re a part of my inner guru team.
You have an inner guru team?? Well, I’m delighted to be on it. 🙂
Oo! I LOVE this concept… the Art of Manliness blog encourages men to have something like this… I think he calls it a Cabinet of Counselors or something along those lines. I just love things like this… overarching principles and rules to live by (similar to Gretchin Rubin’s).
I love this focus! Thanks!
Oh yes! This is a nice clarification of what you write about here: the timely & the timeless, Love it! 🙂
Love this definition – so apt and so thought-provoking.
That is such a good way to think about it. I’m going to keep this in the back of my mind when I write, from now on. 🙂
The intersection of Now and Always – absolutely stunning turn of phrase, Anne. Thanks for letting us meet with you at that intersection.
Tim
Thank you, Tim.
Anne, what a helpful, insightful distinction. You’ve given me something to ponder.
This is fantastic. I really like the definition of classic, and I love your take on it.
This is why I follow you 🙂
Thank you so much. Truly.
oo! Great definition of where you like to park your content. The now/always concept is something I’m sure will stick with me as I write my own stuff… 🙂
Great (re)post. Thanks for (re)sharing.
🙂
The intersection part…love it!
I loved that! So poetic and thought provoking, thanks.