A human being in perfection ought always to preserve a calm and peaceful mind, and never to allow passion or a transitory desire to disturb his tranquility. I do not think that the pursuit of knowledge is an exception to this rule. If the study to which you apply yourself has a tendency to weaken your affections, and to destroy your taste for those simple pleasures in which no alloy can possibly mix, then that study is certainly unlawful, that is to say, not befitting the human mind.

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- Victor Frankenstein

We so easily lose sight of the things that are important in life. It's quite easy to convince yourself -- confuse yourself, really -- into ruin. I for one, find it important to remind myself of this fact, but am gladdened by the centuries of company I have in this plight.

Recently, I started reading the 1818 version of「Frankenstein」during my commute (not that I've read the revised one...). It's a short post today, just sharing a quote that really struck me. So consider this the a monthly sign of life while there are, or so I hope, more substantial things to come.

And in the mean time, may you enjoy those simple pleasures in which no alloy can possibly mix!

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