I've read many of Henry Miller's books, but not The Colossus of Maroussiry, and I must do so because Miller's writing is never dull. It's always imbued with stunning insights that are worthy of a Zen master. I like this line in particular (in today's extract) because it reminds us of why the unceasing acquisition of material things cannot bring us peace - he says: 'Without joy there is no life.'
How timely that I read this quote by Henry Miller today - it’s the very topic I’m publishing on next week. In our digital society, we need to find a way to “put down the newspaper” and achieve peace. I believe it can be done.
"... The joy of life comes through peace, which is not static but dynamic ..."
It must have been 1970 at age 20 that I read the Colossus of Maroussi and took those particular words to heart. Your post is motivating me to read that book again. I used similar words to those above in my writing years ago, having forgotten their source. Whenever I've seen references to Henry Miller's The Colossus of Mauroussi throughout the years, I've experienced a distinct physical sensation connected to the positive experience reading that book was for me. Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention today. Timely.
Overall I like what he says about peace and attachments. But the world is full of groups who wish for others 'the ''peace of the grave.' There are groups of people who believe that peace is possible when they destroy 'those people.' Then there will be peace. I honestly do not think that humans are capable of having a peaceful world. We haven't managed to pull that off from our beginnings up to now. Isn't that why it's 'the impossible dream?'
I think the only peace on earth we can have is within. And only for periods. Then the world intrudes. Most times we can 'get back.'
My father unexpectedly gave me a copy of Henry Miller‘s the Colossus of Maroussi in 1965, to my boyish delight. It had been recommended to him by the owner of a bookstore in downtown Omaha prior to our setting forth on a three month family vacation through western Europe, along with Greece. I knew of Henry Miller by reputation only, never having yet been able to get my hands on one of his books. As a 15 year old with raging hormones, I passionately looked forward to reading the book on our trip. What a disappointment! Not a word about sex. Thanks a lot, Dad.
In college, I became a huge Miller fan, eventually reading most of his works. Miller’s The Books of my Life provided a reading list for other great works of literature (thank you New Directions and Grove Press). I recently got around to rereading my old copy of the Colossus of Maroussi, this time in a much calmer and detached frame of mind, befitting my retirement years. This time I was not disappointed.
Recent political events call to mind the title of another Henry Miller book, The Time of the Assassins, even though this is a study of Rimbaud. Also, not sure where the spelling “Maroussiry” is being derived?
I've read many of Henry Miller's books, but not The Colossus of Maroussiry, and I must do so because Miller's writing is never dull. It's always imbued with stunning insights that are worthy of a Zen master. I like this line in particular (in today's extract) because it reminds us of why the unceasing acquisition of material things cannot bring us peace - he says: 'Without joy there is no life.'
Miller considered Colossus to be his best book. I had an old copy which was unfortunately destroyed before I could finish it.
How timely that I read this quote by Henry Miller today - it’s the very topic I’m publishing on next week. In our digital society, we need to find a way to “put down the newspaper” and achieve peace. I believe it can be done.
felt an involuntary smile creep onto my face as i read this 😊🙏
"... The joy of life comes through peace, which is not static but dynamic ..."
It must have been 1970 at age 20 that I read the Colossus of Maroussi and took those particular words to heart. Your post is motivating me to read that book again. I used similar words to those above in my writing years ago, having forgotten their source. Whenever I've seen references to Henry Miller's The Colossus of Mauroussi throughout the years, I've experienced a distinct physical sensation connected to the positive experience reading that book was for me. Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention today. Timely.
Overall I like what he says about peace and attachments. But the world is full of groups who wish for others 'the ''peace of the grave.' There are groups of people who believe that peace is possible when they destroy 'those people.' Then there will be peace. I honestly do not think that humans are capable of having a peaceful world. We haven't managed to pull that off from our beginnings up to now. Isn't that why it's 'the impossible dream?'
I think the only peace on earth we can have is within. And only for periods. Then the world intrudes. Most times we can 'get back.'
Peace, people!
An aside - Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer was one of the very few novels endorsed by Samuel Beckett
I am reminded of the opening stanza for "Song of Trusting Mind":
The Great Way isn’t difficult for those who are unattached to their preferences.
Let go of longing and aversion and everything will be perfectly clear;
when you cling to a hairsbreadth of distinction,
heaven and earth are set apart.
If you want to realize the truth, don’t be for or against.
Sounds like a rewording of the 3rd Chinese Patriarch of Zen.
Simply never disappointing
Wow! The truth!
My father unexpectedly gave me a copy of Henry Miller‘s the Colossus of Maroussi in 1965, to my boyish delight. It had been recommended to him by the owner of a bookstore in downtown Omaha prior to our setting forth on a three month family vacation through western Europe, along with Greece. I knew of Henry Miller by reputation only, never having yet been able to get my hands on one of his books. As a 15 year old with raging hormones, I passionately looked forward to reading the book on our trip. What a disappointment! Not a word about sex. Thanks a lot, Dad.
In college, I became a huge Miller fan, eventually reading most of his works. Miller’s The Books of my Life provided a reading list for other great works of literature (thank you New Directions and Grove Press). I recently got around to rereading my old copy of the Colossus of Maroussi, this time in a much calmer and detached frame of mind, befitting my retirement years. This time I was not disappointed.
Recent political events call to mind the title of another Henry Miller book, The Time of the Assassins, even though this is a study of Rimbaud. Also, not sure where the spelling “Maroussiry” is being derived?
Wisdom
A Portuguese friend and poet gave me a copy of The Colossus of Maroussi (no y at the end) in 1972 and inscribed:
Many sought and sought Greece in vain
Hölderlin, Miller, Durrell in Epidaurii of the mind.
All returned empty eyed
heirs to hollow temples of mutilated statues.
They could not understand
that Greece is
wherever and whenever we stay and go
and ceasing to exist
begin to live.
The book is Miller's zen-like satori to Greece and beyond. Read and enjoy.
It's so interesting seeing this quote from Miller. He's the archetypal extrovert, in my mind. I suppose this shows how much he has grown.
Great timing on this!
Brilliant
Thank you reposting a great piece.