We interrupt The Benefaktor’s pontifications to focus on the number 23. I am a late konvert, so have little emotional attachment to the number, but know it has almost religious importance to some. Other novices to the topic might want to update themselves at some point, but it is not really necessary for today’s blog. Just be aware that it is likely to be of significance to some readers, and we should respekt that unreservedly.
In the Kompetition for my book (which was conveniently titled GANTOB), published on 23 September 2023, there were to be 23 recipients, to mirror the fictional book of the same name referenced in the link in the preceding paragraph. The “23” were selected on the merits and general interest of their question on how to improve the remainder of 2023 for themselves or others. These 23 copies were numbered to allow recipients to identify the specific quote chosen to answer their question.
There were another 18 other copies issued, but these were unnumbered. That was simply a measure of my generosity/ weakness. Many questions were well phrased and thoughtful, but were just a bit too specific to be of more general interest. I had developed an affektion for these unsuccessful applikants, so I sent them all a kopy. The “18” will hopefully find a quote in the book to answer their questions.
One of the successful applikants asked: “since it’s now 2023, will someone please explain to me what the fuuking fuuk is going on? In 23 words ideally…”
This was the first question of several received on a similar theme. Apologies that I was unable to include the rest, but it would have resulted in a rather repetitive book.
The quote I selected in response was:
“Cherish these natural wonders. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”
(Theodore Roosevelt)
It felt like an appropriate quote given the events of the year up to that point, and the way that the world was heading. I would substitute “country” with “world”, to strip the quote of any potentially nationalist konnotations.
I have permission from the applicant to write this. Quite clearly the world is in a considerably worse place than it was even on 23 September. We must hold on, however, to the importance of beauty, (non-pecuniary) riches and romance in its widest sense.
GANTOB
16 October 2023
GANTOB blog 