“Lost in Puppydom: Rory Dylan Stephen’s Puppydom”: A Rory Puppyism: Silence is Golden!

A Rory Puppyism; Silence is Golden! SILENCE IS GOLDEN: I am free to “explore” my surroundings in peace and quiet without observant and often disapproving human commentary. This may include “accidents”, chewing what puppies aren’t supposed to chew and jumping on the sofa. Silence rarely is infinite as suspicions are aroused quickly when I disappear.Continue reading ““Lost in Puppydom: Rory Dylan Stephen’s Puppydom”: A Rory Puppyism: Silence is Golden!”

RKS Literature: What’s in a Name? (James Fenimore Cooper)

“I’m an admirer of names, though the Christian fashions fall far below savage customs in this particular. The biggest coward I ever knew as called Lyon; and his wife, Patience, would scold you out of hearing in less time than a hunted deer would run a rod. With an Indian tis’ a matter of conscience;Continue reading “RKS Literature: What’s in a Name? (James Fenimore Cooper)”

RKS LITERATURE: How to Use Your Enemies: Be Lofty

Let Your Manner Be Lofty A great man’s conduct should not be petty. You should never go into minute details, especially with unpleasant things, because although it’s an advantage to notice everything casually, it isn’t to want to inquire into every last thing. Triviality is annoying, and in a person’s character, tedious. Baltasar Gracián, HowContinue reading “RKS LITERATURE: How to Use Your Enemies: Be Lofty”

“Lost in Puppydom: Rory Dylan Stephen’s Puppydom”: Am I Being Sent to Military Academy?

Am I Being Sent to Military Academy? The regime of enforced naps is dissipating. As I progress into six months of age I am gaining stamina and perhaps at most have two short naps instead of the four of my early puppydom. I am now more of a power napper. Bob says this means moreContinue reading ““Lost in Puppydom: Rory Dylan Stephen’s Puppydom”: Am I Being Sent to Military Academy?”

RKS Literature: How to Use Your Enemies : Flattery More Harmful Than Hatred (Baltasar Gracián)

Flattery More Harmful Than Hatred Enemies are of more use to the wise man than friends are to the fool. Ill will usually levels mountains of difficulty which goodwill would balk at tackling. The greatness of many has been fashioned thanks to malicious enemies. Flattery is more harmful than hatred, for the latter is anContinue reading “RKS Literature: How to Use Your Enemies : Flattery More Harmful Than Hatred (Baltasar Gracián)”

RKS Literature: “How to Use Your Enemies”: Vary Your Procedure (Baltasar Gracián)

Vary Your Procedure Not always the same way, so as to confound those observing you, especially if they are rivals. Don’t always fulfil your declared intentions, for others will seize on your predictability, anticipating and frustrating your actions. It’s easy to kill a bird that flies straight, but not one that twists and turns. ButContinue reading “RKS Literature: “How to Use Your Enemies”: Vary Your Procedure (Baltasar Gracián)”

RKS Literature: How to Use Your Enemies: Avoid Outdoing Your Superior (Baltasar Gracián)

Avoid Outdoing Your Superior All triumphs are despised, and triumphing over your superior is either stupid or fatal. Superiority has always been detested, especially by our superiors. Princes like to be helped but not surpassed. Advice should be offered as if a reminder of what they’ve forgotten, not an insight what they’ve never had. BaltasarContinue reading “RKS Literature: How to Use Your Enemies: Avoid Outdoing Your Superior (Baltasar Gracián)”

RKS Literature: “How to Use Your Enemies” (Baltasar Gracián): In Your Affairs Create Suspense

“In Your Affairs Create Suspense It is neither useful nor pleasurable to show all your cards. Not immediately revealing everything fuels anticipation, especially when a person’s elevated position means expectations are greater. It bespeaks mystery in everything and, with this very secrecy, arouses awe. Even when explaining yourself, you should avoid complete frankness, just asContinue reading “RKS Literature: “How to Use Your Enemies” (Baltasar Gracián): In Your Affairs Create Suspense”

RKS Literature: The Final Words of Frankenstein’s Creation (Mary Shelley)

“But it is true that I am a wretch. I have murdered the lovely and the helpless; I have strangled the innocent as they slept and grasped to death his throat who never injured me or any other living thing. I have devoted my creator, the select specimen of all that is worthy of loveContinue reading “RKS Literature: The Final Words of Frankenstein’s Creation (Mary Shelley)”

RKS Literature: Frankenstein Must Destroy the Creature He Created (Mary Shelley)

“I am, the soothing voice of my Elizabeth and the conversation with Clerval will be forever whispered in my ear. They are dead, and but one feeling in such solitude can persuade me to preserve my life. If I were engaged to any high undertaking or design, fraught with extensive utility to my fellow creatures,Continue reading “RKS Literature: Frankenstein Must Destroy the Creature He Created (Mary Shelley)”