The Once and Future King (7)

T.H. White. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. 1939.

Why read it? Merlyn teaches King Arthur the art of leadership. Part of his training was in learning to live with the animals and gain their perspective. Finally, he founded the Round Table. Merlyn is a most amazing character. A delightful and imaginative tale of what was to become known as Camelot. And a great deal of wisdom.

Ideas:

King Arthur’s slogan: “Might for right.”

“…in the effort to impose a world of peace, he found himself up to the elbows in blood.” p. 354.

“His blood might have had too much oxygen in it, from the way he was conscious of every stone in every wall, and all the colors of the valley, and the joyful stepping of his horse.” p. 359.

“There is a thing called knowledge of the world, which people do not have until they are middle-aged…something which cannot be taught to younger people, because it is not logical and does not obey laws which are constant.” p. 366.

“You can’t teach a baby to walk by explaining the matter to her logically—she has to learn the strange poise of walking by experience.” p. 366.

To be continued.