APAD: Paradise lies in the shadow of the swords.

7
7grizzly
楼主 (文学城)

Background:

    The Prophet of Islam exhorted jihadists to battle.

    https://islam.worldofislam.info/

 

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I read in a Michael Dibdin mystery, Medusa, when the character Alberto, a stiff

ruthless old fossil and Italian colonel in the military intelligence service,

reflected on the phrase on a WWI memorial on his way off work in Rome,

 

    `Il Paradiso è all'Ombra delle Spade.' Yes, he thought. `Paradise lies in

    the Shadow of the Swords.' ...

    

    The sun had already slid down below the line of rooftops to the west,

    casting shadows that reached across the broad boulevard. Alberto moved like

    a tank through the groups of afternoon shoppers shuffling about as aimlessly

    as the windblown dead leaves of the lindens that lined the kerb.

    

    All'Ombra delle Spade. He had lived there all his life, but what did they

    know of such things, these infantile adults in their quilted acrylic jackets

    and two-tone designer sports shoes? He tried not to despise them, although

    he knew that they would despise him. They were rather to be pitied. Yes, get

    the latest style clothing, the latest mobile phone, the most powerful

    motorbike, the most fashionable pedigree dog. Get it all, if you can! It

    won't make you happy, but it may eventually bring you what you least desire

    but most need: the knowledge that happiness is an illusion.

最西边的岛上
if happiness is an illusion, so is everything else ;-)
最西边的岛上
bought happiness isBrief, littleThings inLife last 4ever:-)
最西边的岛上
a pic of "real" Medusa by Caravaggio below:

I took the pic (2019) in Uffizi Galleries in Florence. Very Scary!! 

 

7
7grizzly
The guy thinks in the shadow of the swords.
最西边的岛上
whatCan I say? if can't find happiness inThisLife, next one
最西边的岛上
might not be much better, if there's next one ... ...
暖冬cool夏
Alberto moved like a tank--very vivid!Great post!
暖冬cool夏
Cannot help smiling at the last sentence.:-)
最西边的岛上
4someReason I felt opposite, guess that’s thePowerOf words…
最西边的岛上
eg. APAD: one man's toxic sludge is another man's potpourri
7
7grizzly
Thanks, 暖冬. Yes. Alberto had an interesting perspective:-)
7
7grizzly
Whatever, just don't let it get to you.
移花接木
Nuclear weapons've put WW3 on hold 4almost 80yrs
7
7grizzly
Keep up the good work.
最西边的岛上
a "nuclear peace", 2laugh or 2cry? another Shakespeare Q
J
JoyAnna.
Happiness is just an illusion?It sounds pessimistic.
J
JoyAnna.
Sometimes it's really like this. Anyway, new year is coming.
J
JoyAnna.
Tomorrow is another day. Happy new year, 7G兄~~
7
7grizzly
Alberto accepted it and moved on in peace :)
7
7grizzly
Thank you JoyAnna. Happy New Year!