Arnold Bennett, página 2 de 14

In the autumn of 1903 I used to dine frequently in a restaurant in the Rue de Clichy, Paris. Here were, among others, two waitresses that attracted my attention. One was a beautiful, pale young girl, to whom I never spoke, for she was employed far away from the table which I affected. The other, a stout, middle-aged managing Breton woman, had sole command over my table and me, and gradually she began to assume such a maternal tone towards me that I saw I should be compelled to leave that restaurant. If I was absent for a couple of nights running she would reproach me sharply: "What! you are unfaithful to me?" Once, when I complained about some French beans, she informed me roundly that French beans were a subject which I did not understand. I then decided to be eternally unfaithful to her, and I abandoned the restaurant. A few nights before the final parting an old woman came into the restaurant to dine. She was fat, shapeless, ugly, and grotesque. She had a ridiculous voice, and ridiculous gestures. It was easy to see that she lived alone, and that in the long lapse of years she had developed the kind of peculiarity which induces guffaws among the thoughtless. She was burdened with a lot of small parcels, which she kept dropping. She chose one seat; and then, not liking it, chose another; and then another. In a few moments she had the whole restaurant laughing at her. That my middle-aged Breton should laugh was indifferent to me, but I was pained to see a coarse grimace of giggling on the pale face of the beautiful young waitress to whom I had never spoken.I reflected, concerning the grotesque diner: "This woman was once young, slim, perhaps beautiful; certainly free from these ridiculous mannerisms. Very probably she is unconscious of her singularities. Her case is a tragedy. One ought to be able to make a heartrending novel out of the history of a woman such as she.

Illustrated by Frank Craig

Why does not some mental efficiency specialist come forward and show us how to make our minds do the work which our minds are certainly capable of doing? I do not mean a quack. All the physical efficiency specialists who advertise largely are not quacks. Some of them achieve very genuine results. If a course of treatment can be devised for the body, a course of treatment can be devised for the mind. Thus we might realize some of the ambitions which all of us cherish in regard to the utilization in our spare time of that magnificent machine which we allow to rust within our craniums. We have the desire to perfect ourselves, to round off our careers with the graces of knowledge and taste. How many people would not gladly undertake some branch of serious study, so that they might not die under the reproach of having lived and died without ever really having known anything about anything! It is not the absence of desire that prevents them. It is, first, the absence of will-powernot the will to begin, but the will to continue; and, second, a mental apparatus which is out of condition, "puffy,""weedy," through sheer neglect. The remedy, then, divides itself into two parts, the cultivation of will-power, and the getting into condition of the mental apparatus. And these two branches of the cure must be worked concurrently

Philosophers have explained space. They have not explained time. It is the inexplicable raw material of everything. With it, all is possible; without it, nothing. The supply of time is truly a daily miracle, an affair genuinely astonishing when one examines it. You wake up in the morning, and lo! your purse is magically filled with twenty-four hours of the unmanufactured tissue of the universe of your life! It is yours. It is the most precious of possessions. A highly singular commodity, showered upon you in a manner as singular as the commodity itself!For remark! No one can take it from you. It is unstealable. And no one receives either more or less than you receive.Talk about an ideal democracy! In the realm of time there is no aristocracy of wealth, and no aristocracy of intellect. Genius is never rewarded by even an extra hour a day. And there is no punishment. Waste your infinitely precious commodity as much as you will, and the supply will never be withheld from you. No mysterious power will say:"This man is a fool, if not a knave. He does not deserve time; he shall be cut off at the meter." It is more certain than consols, and payment of income is not affected by Sundays. Moreover, you cannot draw on the future. Impossible to get into debt! You can only waste the passing moment. You cannot waste to-morrow; it is kept for you. You cannot waste the next hour; it is kept for you.

Mental Calisthenics was an intriguing new term proposed by English journalist, writer and philosopher Arnold Bennett in this early example of a self-help book, "Mental Efficiency" (AKA Mental Efficiency and Other Hints to Men and Women).Bennett bemoans the fact that most of us are focused on keeping ourselves physically healthy and we spend a lot of time, effort and thought into keeping the body in fine trim. However, in the race to become thinner, more muscular, youthful-looking, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, we often neglect our mental health. Concentrating on one part of ourselves and ignoring another can have disastrous effects.In this book, published in 1911, Bennett uses a witty and conversational style to share his thoughts about keeping the mind as fresh as the body. Just as one does regular physical exercises, both men and women should ensure that they follow a strict daily regimen of mental exercises as well. Some of the aspects of mental health are keeping ones individuality in the midst of pressures from family, society and loved ones, keeping a journal or performing some kind of writing task daily, regular introspection and meditation. He also urges us to avoid looking back too much at our past lives and wallow in grief and worry. This can help people to overcome depression and sorrow.Managing life events like marriage, family-life and maintenance of relationships, buying books and devoting enough time to self-enrichment through reading, making a success of life, recognising the artificiality of many of our social behaviours and finally finding contentment and happiness in our lives are some of the ideas discussed here.(Source: loyalbooks.com)

Despite having been published in 1910, Arnold Bennetts book "How to Live on 24 Hours a Day" remains a valuable resource on living a meaningful life within the constraints of time. In the book, Bennett addresses one of our oldest questions: how can we make the best use of our lives?How can we make the best use of our time?

In "Mental Efficiency," Arnold Bennett explores the intricate relationship between mental ability and the practical aspects of daily living. Through his clear and engaging prose, Bennett amalgamates psychological insights with pragmatic advice, drawing upon both his literary finesse and his keen observations of human behavior. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, a period marked by technological advancement and social change, this work reflects the growing interest in self-improvement and mental discipline, akin to contemporaneous debates in psychology and productivity. Bennett employs a conversational yet authoritative style, enabling readers to grasp complex concepts without intimidation. Arnold Bennett, a prominent figure in English literature known for his vivid characterizations and keen social commentary, wrote extensively on the human condition. His experiences in the rapidly evolving industrial landscape of England deeply informed his views on mental acuity and personal development. As a novelist and essayist, Bennetts insights were shaped by his own struggles with focus and efficiency, prompting him to articulate strategies for enhancing mental capacity, thereby resonating with readers desire for self-betterment. For anyone seeking to unlock their cognitive potential, "Mental Efficiency" serves as an essential guide. Bennetts adept synthesis of psychology and practical wisdom offers timeless strategies to improve concentration and mental agility, making this book indispensable for both scholars and lay readers interested in productivity and personal development.

The Clayhanger Trilogy, comprising "Clayhanger,""Hilda Lessways," and "These Twain," presents a vivid tapestry of life in the early 20th century English provincial town of Burslem, focusing on the lives of the Clayhanger family. Arnold Bennett employs a realist literary style, marked by rich character development and intricate social dynamics, which together craft a nuanced portrait of class, ambition, and the interplay of personal dreams within societal constraints. His portrayal of industrialisms impact on individual lives and relationships is particularly striking, inviting readers to reflect on the broader socio-economic themes of the period while exploring the psychological depth of his characters. Arnold Bennett, a prominent figure in the literary scene of the early 20th century, was born in Burslem, giving him firsthand experience of the towns industrial culture. This personal connection is pivotal in shaping his narrative, infusing it with authenticity and emotional resonance. Bennetts diverse career, which included roles as an author, playwright, and journalist, reflects his keen observations of human behavior and societal structures, allowing him to craft a trilogy that is both personal and profoundly universal in its themes. The Clayhanger Trilogy is highly recommended for readers interested in the intersection of individual experience and societal change. Bennetts intricate storytelling and his exploration of the human condition make this work not only a compelling read but also a significant contribution to the canon of English literature. For those seeking a deeper understanding of early 20th-century life, this trilogy is an essential literary journey.

Devi vivere su queste ventiquattro ore di tempo quotidiano. Con esso devi far girare la salute, il piacere, il denaro, la soddisfazione, il rispetto e levoluzione della tua anima immortale. Il suo giusto uso, il suo uso piu efficace, e una questione della massima urgenza e della piu emozionante attualita. Tutto dipende da questo. La nostra felicita - linafferrabile premio a cui siamo tutti aggrappati, dipende da questo.Usando il potere dellorganizzazione consapevole, puoi ritagliarti numerosi minuti di tempo per te e la tua crescita personale in diversi momenti della giornata. In questo modo capirai che il tempo ce in abbondanza, siamo solo noi a sprecarlo. Grazie a questo libro imparerai a creare il tuo programma personalizzato, dedicandoti, per esempio, alle tue attivita preferite, partendo sempre dalla consapevolezza di chi sei e cosa vuoi.

- Esta edição é única;- A tradução é completamente original e foi realizada para a Ale. Mar. SAS;- Todos os direitos reservados.Se existe alguma virtude na publicidade, e um jornalista deveria ser a

- Diese Ausgabe ist einzigartig;- Die Ubersetzung ist vollstandig original und wurde fur das Ale. Mar. SAS;- Alle Rechte vorbehalten.Wenn die Werbung etwas taugt, und ein Journalist sollte der Letzte sein, der das Gegenteil behauptet, dann ist die amerikanische Nation dabei, einen Zustand physischer Effizienz zu erreichen, wie ihn die Welt wahrscheinlich seit den Tagen Spartas nicht mehr gesehen hat. In jeder amerikanischen Zeitung und jeder amerikanischen Monatszeitschrift finden sich unzahlige bebilderte Anzeigen fur "Spezialisten fur Korperkultur", die garantieren, dass jedes Organ des Korpers seine Aufgaben mit der gewaltigen Prazision eines 60-PS-Autos erfullt, das nie eine Panne hat.

La presente edizione e unica; La traduzione e completamente originale ed e stata eseguita per la societa Ale. Mar. SAS; Tutti i diritti sono riservati. Se ce qualche virtu nella pubblicita, e un giornalista dovrebbe essere lultima persona a dire che non ce, la nazione americana sta rapidamente raggiungendo uno stato di efficienza fisica di cui il mondo probabilmente non ha visto simili dai tempi di Sparta. In tutti i giornali americani e in tutti i mensili americani sono innumerevoli gli annunci illustrati di "specialisti di cultura fisica", che garantiscono di far svolgere i propri compiti a tutti gli organi del corpo con la possente precisione di unauto da 60 cv che non si rompe mai.

- Esta edición es única;- La traducción es completamente original y se realizó para el Ale. Mar. SAS;- Todos los derechos reservados.Si hay alguna virtud en la publicidad, y un periodista debería ser la ultima persona en decir que no la hay, la nacion estadounidense esta alcanzando rapidamente un estado de eficiencia fisica como el que el mundo probablemente no ha visto desde los dias de Esparta. En todos los periodicos y revistas mensuales estadounidenses hay innumerables anuncios ilustrados de "especialistas en cultura fisica" que garantizan hacer que cada organo del cuerpo cumpla sus funciones con la poderosa precision de un coche de 60 CV que nunca se averia.

In "A Man from the North," Arnold Bennett artfully explores the complexities of human nature through the lens of industrial life in early 20th-century England. The narrative revolves around the protagonist, a man from the North, who grapples with his identity amidst the backdrop of societal change and personal aspiration. Bennetts literary style is characterized by rich, vivid descriptions and an acute observation of his characters psychological landscapes, positioning the novel firmly within the context of the realistic movement. The exploration of regionalism and the impact of industrialization on individual lives imbues the text with a sense of authenticity that resonates profoundly with contemporary readers. Bennett, a prominent figure of the early modernist literary movement, drew from his own experiences growing up in the potteries of Staffordshire, which informed his understanding of class and cultural tension. This background provided the impetus for a narrative that challenges the reader to reflect on their own origins and the paradoxes of urbanization, enhancing the depth of the story. His keen sense of social commentary reflects his desire to elevate the lives of ordinary individuals to the level of art. Recommended for readers interested in early modernist literature and those who appreciate character-driven narratives, "A Man from the North" invites a deep and introspective examination of lifes struggles and triumphs. Bennetts exploration of ambition, belonging, and regional identity remains relevant, ensuring this novel is not only a significant work in its own right but also a critical reflection on the human condition.