“Information helps you to see you are not alone. The library helps you to see, not only that you are not alone, but that you're not really any different from everyone else.” Maya Angelou

Biblioteca, Coimbra, Portugal (press image for whole picture)

The University of Coimbra General Library (Biblioteca Geral da Universidade de Coimbra) is the central library of the University of Coimbra, in Coimbra, Portugal.

Even before 1537, the year when the university was definitively established in Coimbra, transferred for its last time from Lisbon, a library was already in operation in the city. It was called Livraria de Estudo (Study Library). Based on the inventories of 1513 and 1532, more than 120 manuscript volumes were stored at the library. After the university refounding of 1537, the Livraria de Estudo was reinstalled and opened for students and professors, 4 hours a day. The statutes of 1559 already determined 6 hours of functioning a day, and the statutes of 1571 and 1597 called it livraria pública para lentes, estudantes e quaisquer pessoas outras (public library for lecturers, students and everybody else). In 1705 the library was closed and about 20 years later a new library was established-–the Biblioteca Joanina (Joanina Library, named after King João V). By the reform which occurred in 1901, the library was renamed Biblioteca Central da Universidade (Central Library of the university).

The current designation of the library, Biblioteca Geral da Universidade de Coimbra, came in 1924, and its current main building is from 1962. The library is divided in two buildings:

The Biblioteca Joanina (books before 1800)

The main centre Edifício Novo (the New Building, 1962) with over a million books ranging almost every possible field of study, 4 floors and over 7000 m2.

The library is open every day from 9:00 to 22:45.

Photographers: copyright unknown

 

This type of key, commonly used during the Byzantine period, could be easily carried, an important feature at a time when clothes had no pockets. The hoop of the key fits like a finger ring, and the short barrel can be folded into the palm of the hand. Unlike the teeth on modern keys, the slotted holes on this example are purely decorative, while the small crosses were intended to protect the owner's possessions.

Byzantine, 5th-7th century (Late Antique), bronze

Credit: Walters Art Museum, Baltimore

“A Tale of Two Cities”

Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. The narrative alternates between London and Paris, exploring themes of sacrifice, love, vengeance, and redemption.

The story begins with the release of Dr. Alexandre Manette from the Bastille after 18 years of imprisonment. Reunited with his daughter, Lucie, in London, he begins to heal. Meanwhile, Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat who rejects his cruel family legacy, seeks a peaceful life in England. Darnay and Lucie marry, forming a family bond that also includes Lucie’s devoted servant Miss Pross and their loyal friend, Jarvis Lorry.

The Revolution erupts in France, and Darnay returns to aid a family servant, only to be arrested and condemned to death due to his aristocratic lineage. Sydney Carton, a dissipated but brilliant English lawyer who secretly loves Lucie, redeems his wasted life by taking Darnay’s place on the guillotine. His self-sacrifice ensures the safety of Lucie and her family, culminating in one of the most famous final lines in literature: “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”

The Quote: “I wish you to know that you have been the last dream of my soul.”

This line is spoken by Sydney Carton to Lucie Manette, encapsulating his unspoken, selfless love for her. It reflects his transformation from a man who perceives his life as wasted to someone who finds purpose in love, even if it is unreciprocated. Carton’s declaration symbolizes his emotional rebirth and sets the stage for his ultimate sacrifice. Lucie, though unaware of the depth of his devotion, inspires him to rediscover his humanity and achieve redemption.

The Main Character: Sydney Carton

Sydney Carton is the tragic hero of the novel and its most complex character. Initially presented as a cynical, disheveled man, Carton is burdened by his sense of failure and lack of direction. Despite his outward apathy, his love for Lucie reveals his inner nobility and capacity for selflessness. His decision to sacrifice his life for Lucie’s happiness transforms him into a Christ-like figure, embodying the theme of resurrection that runs throughout the novel. Carton’s final act of courage secures his legacy as a character of profound moral depth and redemption.

In A Tale of Two Cities, Sydney Carton’s journey from despair to ultimate sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the redemptive power of love and the enduring value of selflessness.

He is not so much a surrealist as a dogged observer of solitude

"The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries."

— René Descartes

Emily Dickinson  💔

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.

Emily Dickinson (1830–1886), one of the most influential American poets, is known for her introspective and innovative poetry. Despite her reclusive nature, Dickinson explored profound themes such as life, death, nature, and personal responsibility. Her poems often feature unusual punctuation, capitalization, and a distinctive meter, all of which have contributed to her legacy as a unique voice in American literature.

"If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking" is one of Dickinson’s more straightforward and brief poems, yet it carries a powerful message about the human capacity for empathy and the value of small, compassionate acts. The poem reflects her belief that life’s purpose is found not in grand gestures or fame but in simple, selfless kindness.

“In university they don't tell you that the greater part of the law is learning to tolerate fools.”— Doris Lessing•For more ﹋#philosophy #philosophyquotes #literature #liter #foryou #fyp #poetry #quotes #hope #Philosophy #Wisdom #Existentialism #Ethics  #Metaphysics #CriticalThinking #PhilosophyOfLife #Stoicism #RationalThinking #SpiritualPhilosophy

【2025年1月8日後入境英國新規定📢】

從2025年1月8日起，未持有效英國簽證或電子簽證（eVisa）的國人，須憑電子旅遊憑證（ETA）入境英國！

即日起即可透過英國簽證暨移民署（UKVI）官網申請👉

1. 準備好護照、手機或電腦、信用卡

2. 至ETA申請頁面點選Continue：https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/how-to-apply

3. 進入頁面後，依指示上傳護照頁面並進行臉部掃描、上傳個人照及回答相關問題

4. 申請費用為£10，申請成功後有效期限兩年

審核時間需三個工作天，建議欲前往英國旅遊、洽公的國人，預留時間、提早申辦！

詳情請參考： 

外交部常見問答集（赴英國電子旅行憑證ETA）： https://www.mofa.gov.tw/News_toggle.aspx?n=87&sms=72&_CSN=65 

英國官方公告：https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta【2025年1月8日後入境英國新規定📢】

從2025年1月8日起，未持有效英國簽證或電子簽證（eVisa）的國人，須憑電子旅遊憑證（ETA）入境英國！

即日起即可透過英國簽證暨移民署（UKVI）官網申請👉

1. 準備好護照、手機或電腦、信用卡

2. 至ETA申請頁面點選Continue：https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/how-to-apply

3. 進入頁面後，依指示上傳護照頁面並進行臉部掃描、上傳個人照及回答相關問題

4. 申請費用為£10，申請成功後有效期限兩年

審核時間需三個工作天，建議欲前往英國旅遊、洽公的國人，預留時間、提早申辦！

詳情請參考： 

外交部常見問答集（赴英國電子旅行憑證ETA）： https://www.mofa.gov.tw/News_toggle.aspx?n=87&sms=72&_CSN=65 

英國官方公告：https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta