During train journey, I re-read Guus Kuijer’s magnificent Het boek van alle dingen, in its English translation. While it still is a great, great read, I felt that just maybe something got lost in the translation. It does still contain some good advice though:
“Hold on,” said Mrs. van Amersfoort. “I may have something for you.” She turned to one of the bookshelves. “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“Happy,” said Thomas. “When I grow up, I am going to be happy.”
Mrs. van Amersfoort was about to pull a book from the shelf, but turned in surprise. She looked at Thomas with a smile and said, “That is a damn good idea. And do you know how happiness begins? It begins with no longer being afraid.”
- Book read
- Guus Kuijer — The Book of All Things (translated by John Nieuwenhuizen)
- First line
- Thomas saw things no one else could see.