The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from The Road to Oz by L. Frank Baum: her new companions.
"But who is this?" she asked, pointing to Toto, who was sitting
before her wagging his tail in the most friendly manner and
admiring the pretty maid with his bright eyes. "Is this, also,
some enchanted person?"
"Oh no, Polly--I may call you Polly, mayn't I? Your whole name's
awful hard to say."
"Call me Polly if you wish, Dorothy."
"Well, Polly, Toto's just a dog; but he has more sense than
Button-Bright, to tell the truth; and I'm very fond of him."
"So am I," said Polychrome, bending gracefully to pat Toto's head.
The Road to Oz |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Underground City by Jules Verne: In that part of Scotland lying between Edinburgh and Glasgow,
nature would seem to have collected and set forth specimens
of every one of these terrestrial beauties. As to the heavens,
they would be spread abroad as over the whole earth, with their
changeful clouds, serene or veiled moon, their radiant sun,
and clustering stars. The expedition had been planned so as to
combine a view of all these things.
Simon and Madge would have been glad to go with Nell;
but they never left their cottage willingly, and could not make
up their minds to quit their subterranean home for a single day.
James Starr went as an observer and philosopher, curious to note,
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from What is Man? by Mark Twain: courage and be huzza'd at with tear-choked voices as the war-worn
regiment marches past the worshiping multitude with flags flying
and the drums beating. After that he will be as securely brave
as any veteran in the army--and there will not be a shade nor
suggestion of PERSONAL MERIT in it anywhere; it will all have
come from the OUTSIDE. The Victoria Cross breeds more heroes
than--
Y.M. Hang it, where is the sense in his becoming brave if
he is to get no credit for it?
O.M. Your question will answer itself presently. It
involves an important detail of man's make which we have not yet
What is Man? |