"But just as important, a careful accounting of days allows the isolated to note that another year of hardship has been endured; survived; bested. Whether they have found the strength to persevere through a tireless determination or some foolhardy optimism, those 365 hatch marks stand as proof of their indomitability. For after all, if attentiveness should be measured in minutes and discipline measured in hours, then indomitability must be measured in years. Or, if philosophical investigations are not to your taste, then let us simply agree that the wise man celebrates what he can."
–– Amor Towles (b. 1964), American novelist
Amor Towles. A Gentleman in Moscow. New York: Viking (Penguin Random House), 2016; p. 109-110.
via Commonplace Book 2020-2021, p. 138
P.S. Today is the 615th day of the pandemic.
