I learned a lot about him
from reading "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain. Interesting man who
lived life by his own confused terms. The book put his life into perspective
for me. He never really wanted children and fatherhood proved difficult for
him, especially emotionally.
After recently watching the PBS special about
his life, marriages, writing career and stages of writing, and his mental state
through the end of his life I actually have a renewed interest in him and my
opinion has somewhat changed but only marginally. Perhaps I can finally finish the
book by Paula McLain titled "Love and Ruin" that I started over a
year ago. It is just not as interesting as the one about his first of
four wives. This one is about the third wife in the life of this hot
tempered and abusive cheater. He
appeared to believe in marriage just not celibacy within marriage.
Hemingway shared the wise words with us many years ago. His war time experiences, less than happy childhood, and depression drove him and haunted him which led to his suicide. These words from him take on a special significance for each of us and it's all about choices. Choose wisely. It is sad that he did not take his own advice but it does not at diminish the value of these words.
"Before you act,
listen.
Before you react,
think.
Before you spend,
earn.
Before you criticize,
wait.
Before you pray,
forgive.
Before you quit,
try."
- Ernest Hemingway
