Sunday, January 16, 2011

Nearly Invisible

Alice and the Cat
Quotes: Alice in Wonderland 
                

Alice: Would you tell me, please,
which way I ought to go from here?

The Cat: That depends a good deal
on where you want to get to.

Alice: I don't much care where.

The Cat: Then it doesn't much matter
which way you go.

Alice: …so long as I get somewhere.

The Cat: Oh, you're sure to do that,
if only you walk long enough.




(Take a message from an invisible cat: So many people rush along, making sure the road they travel is a good road, a safe road, a popular road, an easy road...but not enough give thought to their destination, and, after all, that's the most important goal of a road...oh I know all about stopping and smelling roses. That's important too, but it pales beside the real purpose. Upon arrival, where are you?  It seems almost facetious to hide an important message like that in the fantasy words of an invisible cat...but I think Carroll was a subtle writer. )

11 comments:

Old Egg said...

I have always thought the Cheshire Cat to be very wise indeed!

I think we should both say 'snap' at getting cats into our tales!

Abigail Bunting said...

Great observation- Lewis Carroll was an amazing writer!

RJ Clarken said...

I think you're a subtle writer too, Well done!

Giggles said...

Excellent post! So true. Purpose may be my word for 2011. Thanks for that!

Hugs Giggles

erer said...

It's a very important question to be answered: Where do I want to go

Thanks for sharing :)

Nita Jo said...

Lovely post! Purpose and destination... things I've been thinking about in my journey. Enjoyed reading this!

Anonymous said...

I was just starting to enjoy my grumpiness when you made me smile!

Altonian said...

I think what the cat was saying was a repeat of the old adage 'To travel is better than to arrive'.
If you do not have a clear-cut goal ahead then relax, and enjoy the journey.

Beth Camp said...

But the kitty in that old drawing has really a ferocious grin! Your post provokes thought, that distinction between becoming and being, between traveling and arriving -- which posits an ending. I'm not sure I trust Carroll's subleties; red queen, white queen, lots of choices for Alice. A lovely post.

Understanding Alice said...

funny, our minister quoted this very passage in church this sunday in relation to running the race in such a manner as to win - the goal mattering greatly :)

Nanka said...

An enjoyable post and set my mind thinking too!!