By Paulo Coelho
During the early part of the Christian era, the monastery at Scete became a center where many people gathered. After renouncing everything they had, they went to live in the desert surrounding the monastery. Many of the teachings of these men have been collected and published in numerous books.
Behave like others
Abbot Pastor was walking with a monk from Scete when they were invited for a meal. The host, honored by the holy men’s presence, served only the finest dishes.
However, the monk was fasting; as soon as the food arrived, he took a pea and chewed it slowly. He only ate that one pea, during the whole meal.
As they left, Abbot Pastor called him:
- Brother, when you pay a visit, do not render your holiness an offense. The next time you are fasting, do not accept an invitation to dine.
The monk understood what Abbot Pastor said. From then on, whenever he was with others, he behaved as they did.
Welcome to Share with Friends - Free Texts for a Free Internet
By Paulo Coelho
Sometimes Evil pursues the Warrior of Light, and when it does, he calmly invites it into his tent.
(Manual of the Warrior of Light)
Welcome to Share with Friends - Free Texts for a Free Internet
Sarah Michelle Gellar filming Veronika decides to die, New York
You are so famous and well known that you have many agents, who directs your logistics. Do they have any influence on your work, on contents of novels? In which field of your work you let them influence on you? Are you the one who determines the title of the novel? Is the lawfulness of market that, what limits you by an volume of your work, rhythm of publishing?
I have only one agent: Monica Antunes. We have had a profound bound for over 20 years and we grew together, we walked along the path. She has been my ally & my friend. I don’t know where I would be today without her support and dedication.
She helps me when it comes to dealing with the publishing houses but has no say in the creative process. This, of course, includes the title of my books.
I maintain my independence regarding, as you say, ‘ the laws of the market’. I can’t think of this when I’m confronted with the necessity of writing. I first and foremost write for myself.
Once the book is brought to life, it’s normal that I turn myself towards others in order to present it to the world: my agent, the publishing houses, the booksellers. This chain brings me to the hands of my readers: the harbor that welcomes my dreams and questionings.
