Umberto Eco, who owned 50,000 books, had this to say about home libraries:
“It is foolish to think that you have to read all the books you buy, as it is foolish to criticize those who buy more books than they will ever be able to read. It would be like saying that you should use all the cutlery or glasses or screwdrivers or drill bits you bought before buying new ones.
“There are things in life that we need to always have plenty of supplies, even if we will only use a small portion.
“If, for example, we consider books as medicine, we understand that it is good to have many at home rather than a few: when you want to feel better, then you go to the ‘medicine closet’ and choose a book. Not a random one, but the right book for that moment. That’s why you should always have a nutrition choice!
“Those who buy only one book, read only that one and then get rid of it. They simply apply the consumer mentality to books, that is, they consider them a consumer product, a good. Those who love books know that a book is anything but a commodity.”
Finland is offering artists up to €3,800/month to slow down and just make work.
No exhibitions required, no performances. Just you, a quiet countryside residence, and two uninterrupted months.
The Saari Residence 2027 is open to artists, writers, poets, translators, composers and curators of all nationalities. Collective applications (up to 10 people) are also welcome.
Deadline is 31 March 2026 and it’s free to apply.
Full details on https://t.co/5nRul86ckJ
Crying is the body's way of processing emotions.
Apologizing for crying or telling someone to stop crying blocks our brain from releasing painful events.
The Science of Tears:
Can’t say this enough. The first woman to report Jeffrey Epstein and bring an actual prosecution was trans. She’s a heroine. Ava Cordero 🏳️⚧️ #Epstein
To, you. From, the Baby Loss Awareness Week Alliance 💖💙
As we move through what can become a very busy and emotional time of year, make sure to take time to look after yourself.
Remember, the Alliance is always here to support you, whenever you need it.
We’re excited to launch Liz MacWhirter’s moving prose poem ‘Blue: A Lament for the Sea’, along with an underwater film by Jonathan Kearney, on 8 Nov, 2:30pm. MacWhirter will be joined by creative writing teacher Jane McKie. Book now 🎟️👇
https://t.co/ovlOnfsYCi
@scottishbktrust
We’re excited to launch Liz MacWhirter’s moving prose poem ‘Blue: A Lament for the Sea’, along with an underwater film by Jonathan Kearney, on 8 Nov, 2:30pm. MacWhirter will be joined by creative writing teacher Jane McKie. Book now 🎟️👇
https://t.co/ovlOnfsYCi
@scottishbktrust
#NCFestival starts on 7 Nov at 11am with Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones on his newest books, 'The Cleopatras: The Forgotten Queens of Egypt' and ‘Babylon: The Mother of All Cities’ – complete with @BibleTimeMach podcast co-host Helen Bond! Book now 🎟️👇
https://t.co/0vWYlxkZbh
Today is Bishop John Armes' last day as @BishopEdinburgh before he retires!
We caught up with him one last time to round off over 13 years in post.
Good luck, Bishop John, for this next chapter and thank you from us all for your devoted service.
@charliebelllive Looks like they can't quite make their mind up whether they're called the Free Church of England or the Reformed Episcopal Church. They just sound confused. And confusing.
Many warm congratulations to Archbishop Leo Cushley on his 40 years of priestly ministry. It has been my joy to overlap with him for part of this time and to enjoy his episcopal ministry and companionship. May God bless him and keep him for all that lies ahead.
🌍Over £10,000 was raised across our diocese for Abraham's Children in Crisis in @BishopEdinburgh's 2025 Lent Appeal.
Thank you to everyone who donated. Nine new children have since been supported.
Read the charity's letter via the link in our bio.
📸B Werner/Wikimedia Commons
Poem-a-day 3
'Christ, shattered by comfort and ire,
that thrawn spear on the enter key
thrust daily, hourly into his side.'
The powerful 'Of the wounds', one of two poems by @ambulancebox
https://t.co/kweGgK1Q2D
@charliebelllive@ChurchTimes The conflation and confusion of sexuality and gender identity is pretty staggering. He really doesn't understand what he's railing against.