| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne: He therefore resolved to commence the grand expedition at once, and
to leave this inhospitable parsonage. He cared nothing about fatigue,
and resolved to spend some days upon the mountain.
The preparations for our departure were therefore made the very day
after our arrival at Stapi. Hans hired the services of three
Icelanders to do the duty of the horses in the transport of the
burdens; but as soon as we had arrived at the crater these natives
were to turn back and leave us to our own devices. This was to be
clearly understood.
My uncle now took the opportunity to explain to Hans that it was his
intention to explore the interior of the volcano to its farthest
Journey to the Center of the Earth |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Symposium by Plato: consent to this, and not be jealous, for I have a great desire to praise
the youth.
Hurrah! cried Agathon, I will rise instantly, that I may be praised by
Socrates.
The usual way, said Alcibiades; where Socrates is, no one else has any
chance with the fair; and now how readily has he invented a specious reason
for attracting Agathon to himself.
Agathon arose in order that he might take his place on the couch by
Socrates, when suddenly a band of revellers entered, and spoiled the order
of the banquet. Some one who was going out having left the door open, they
had found their way in, and made themselves at home; great confusion
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The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce: awaited each new stroke with impatience and -- he knew not
why -- apprehension. The intervals of silence grew
progressively longer; the delays became maddening. With
their greater infrequency the sounds increased in strength
and sharpness. They hurt his ear like the trust of a knife;
he feared he would shriek. What he heard was the ticking of
his watch.
He unclosed his eyes and saw again the water below him. "If
I could free my hands," he thought, "I might throw off the
noose and spring into the stream. By diving I could evade
the bullets and, swimming vigorously, reach the bank, take
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge |
