Such a joy to have around the house. It's truly a wonderful thing when there is something or someone that brings so much happiness and warmth to our living space. Whether it's a beloved pet that greets us with excitement every time we come home, or a beautiful plant that adds a touch of nature and freshness to the rooms. Maybe it's a collection of cherished items that hold special memories and make us smile whenever we look at them. Having these sources of joy around the house can transform our daily lives. They can brighten our mood on a gloomy day, give us a sense of comfort and relaxation after a long and tiring day at work, and create a positive and inviting atmosphere for us and our guests. It's amazing how something as simple as a small object or a living being can have such a big impact on our well-being and the overall feel of our home.

In 2021, I embarked on a journey of following Tolstoy's Calendar of Wisdom. This calendar, dating back to circa 1910, is a page-a-day wonder that exudes a certain gravitas. The concept behind it truly appealed to me. However, I must admit that I don't always see eye to eye with Tolstoy himself.

One of the entries that caught my attention was, "Guiding your thoughts is one of the keys to self-perfection." (August 9) Tolstoy was a deeply religious man, a pacifist, a vegetarian, and someone who advocated for a return to the earth. His Calendar of Wisdom is a unique blend of quotes, paraphrases, and his own commentary and aphorisms.

While I can't wholeheartedly recommend every single aspect of it, as I do find some things rather objectionable, I do appreciate the idea of having something to reflect on each and every day. It provides a moment of pause in our busy lives, an opportunity to think deeply about the meaning and purpose of our existence.

In conclusion, although my relationship with Tolstoy's Calendar of Wisdom is a bit of a love-hate one, I still believe that it has the potential to offer valuable insights and food for thought.

Tolstoy dedicated his adult life to gathering ideas from others and incorporating his own in this remarkable calendar of wisdom. On some days, Tolstoy quotes the words of others, while on other days, he lists his profound thoughts for the day. This book is truly a wonderful source of daily inspiration. Some of the entries are amusing, bringing a smile to your face, while others are deeply thoughtful, making you reflect on life's deeper meanings. I have made it a part of my daily routine to read this book during my devotion time, and I have been constantly inspired by it.

Tolstoy was a devout Christian who yearned for peace in the world. On the page for October 12, he included several interesting items. For instance, he wrote, "A person who loves himself has the advantage of having very few competitors." Or on an earlier day, he penned, "A man is both an animal and a spiritual being at the same time. As an animal, man is afraid of death; as a spiritual being he does not experience death." Whether or not you agree with what he wrote, his words made me think deeply. I absolutely loved reading this small book each day. It made me think, amazed me, and taught me some valuable things about myself.

I highly recommend this book to all readers who have a desire to improve themselves in any way. It is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration that can have a profound impact on your life. Peace, janz

I did not manage to complete the book.

Upon reading, I discovered that it seemed rather dated. The content was not only tedious but also repetitive, which made it a rather uninteresting read.

Moreover, the continual and overemphasis on religion throughout the book really overshadowed and obscured any potential benefit that the secular quotes within it could have otherwise provided.

It felt as if the author was so fixated on promoting the religious aspect that it detracted from the overall value and message that could have been conveyed through the secular elements.

As a result, I lost interest in the book and chose not to continue reading it to the end.