I can’t resist coming back to Kim Leine’s ‘The Prophets of Eternal Fjorde’ today to post a couple more quotes. This time, we are not focusing on intestinal discomfort. (Enough already!)
My constitution would seem to be better than I would have thought, for I have survived two attacks upon my life this winter and may thereby once more look forward to further prolongation of my futile destiny.
(p. 406)
Morten Falck, a Danish missionary, struggles with his own fleshly weakness, with his desires and cravings, and with the despair that comes from leading a life whose purpose is not entirely clear to him.
I cannot go back … I can only go forward, in a ceaseless circle, and my only hope is that when the circle is complete and the motion halts I shall have arrived at the place that is best for me …
(p. 505)
Life as a ceaseless circle:
Don’t you, too, sometimes feel you are pushing forward blindly, hoping — hoping — that you will one day arrive at a place that makes sense?
twenty-one words 
Yes, but we don’t go round in circles, we travel in cycles. Cycles are open-ended, with each cycle moving you along your life pathway. Even when they take you sideways or backwards, the cycles (large or small) are all connected and ultimately move you forward–if forwards what’s best for you. Philosophy? Nah. Spirals! Action Research!
I like that thought — cycles, not circles. Definitely a good philosophy! x