This book tells the story that Larry, the protagonist, prefers to give up secular life and travel around the world just to find the true meaning of life, while his fiancee Isabel wants to live an ordinary and rich life, so she marries someone who can meet her needs. Isabel's uncle Eliot is a very keen person to join the upper class. Socialization is the whole meaning of his life.
In life, each of us has different personalities and different life pursuits.
0 1. Pilgrims of Life
Larry was an American pilot in World War I. In a war, his comrades were accidentally shot to save him, which led to his death. At this point, Larry fell into doubt about life and could not even forgive himself. He doesn't understand why human beings have pain and misfortune.
Therefore, he chose to leave his fiancee to explore the meaning of life. Without any material or emotional ties, he left the comfort zone of life and went to France alone. Under the guidance of his own will, he went to India. From western philosophy to eastern religion, he obtained the true meaning of life that satisfied him in India's "reincarnation theory": evil and good in the world are a kind of existence.
The double liberation of material and spirit made him realize that some things are inevitable and human beings can only do their best. At this time, he has become a real free man.
In real life, most of us are rushing about for daily necessities, and have no more time to understand the true meaning of life. The meaning of living is actually to accept the existence of good and evil, feel the greatness of life, find pleasure in sadness, and find direction in the dark!
As the saying goes, "in the rough life, you should have the feeling of surpassing yourself." Benavent
02. Calm and pragmatic female representatives
Isabel is Larry's fiancee. She loves Larry. I hope Larry can live a so-called "normal" life with her, even rich and honorable. But Larry's choice made her feel helpless. She finally decided to marry Gray, who has a well-off family and works in the office from nine to five every day. Isabel is very happy after marriage, with a doting husband and two lovely daughters.
Even after Gray went bankrupt, he managed to make Isabel live a happy life, and Isabel never regretted marrying Gray. She feels comfortable and satisfied with her life.
There is no doubt that Isabel is a sober and independent new woman of our time. She has her own ideas, ideas and goals. And unswervingly choose the life you want. These are also the values formed by my mother and uncle when I was a child, and the way of life based on rational choice.
On the other hand, if Isabel marries Larry, her values and outlook on life are different, and it is difficult to establish a closer relationship even on the basis of love.
And "a good marriage depends on three views" is reasonable.
03. Busy people are lonely.
Isabel's uncle Eliot is the ultimate lover who is good at socializing. He deals in art and antiques, but he hates being called a businessman. He is well educated and very clever. With the indomitable spirit, he hung out in high society, high-end parties, exquisite feasts and elegant communication skills, trying to seize various opportunities and make himself a superior aristocrat. But he is kind and powerful, generous and vain. A complete realist.
When he was ill in bed in his later years, he felt indignant because he was not invited to the grand banquet. Finally, he died with resentment.
Liveliness is a short and gorgeous fireworks, and only loneliness remains after the curtain call. Although fame and fortune are illusory, everyone has the right to choose his own lifestyle.
04. Write it at the end
After watching the blade, this time is no exception. Mao Mu analyzed human nature from a very calm and objective angle, and the value he conveyed needs us to carefully interpret from his words.
Life will inevitably have different choices.
What kind of person we become is influenced by our parents in childhood and by society in adulthood.
But in any case, we will never forget your initiative, respect others' choices and realize our ideals.