The kernel of things

Was given a lovely quote by a friend recently.  It came at a time when illness and loss seemed to linger like Ireland’s persistent cloud cover.  I had never heard of the author a Norwegian writer, who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature six times.  His name was Arne Garborg (1851-1924).  Here are some selections from his writings.  The first really struck home when visiting a confused relative in a nursing home.

“To love someone is to learn the song in their heart and to sing it to them when they have forgotten”

His second quote seemed to highlight fundamental truths that we all know but need to be reminded of from time to time.

“For money you can have everything it is said. No, that is not true. You can buy food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; soft beds, but not sleep; knowledge but not intelligence; glitter, but not comfort; fun, but not pleasure; acquaintances, but not friendship; servants, but not faithfulness; grey hair, but not honour; quiet days, but not peace. The shell of all things you can get for money. But not the kernel. That cannot be had for money.”

He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature six times but the fact that he wrote in Norwegian and was so passionate about his local language might have played against his ever actually winning it.

I sometimes wish that nationalism did not shape our education system as much as it does.  Then, perhaps we would all be able to get to know more about the brilliant writers/poets/artists in all cultures that should be allowed to enrich our education system.  Our education would no longer be limited to geographical or national boundaries but would give our children a wider experience of this world’s true riches.


“If we are not happy and joyous at this season, for what other season shall we wait and for what other time shall we look?”


(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í World Faith, p. 351)