Job Discussion Forums

[Frater]

'I don't stop teaching because I earn a living that way, and because it teaches me humility and shows me my place in the world. I appreciate the irony of the fact that the person who comes to teach receives the best lesson, while those who come to be taught don't learn anything.'

This quote (from the work of J.M Coetzee)has been translated into Polish by someone whose weblog I read and then translated back into English and slightly adapted by me.

So apologies to Coetzee fans if his words have ended up disgustingly mauled.

'Frater'

[J-Pop]

Hey Frater,

Excellent Coetzee quote. Are you familiar with his works (or, is anybody else reading this, familiar with his works)? I ask, cuz I suddenly have some extra time on my hand & would like a recommendation of one of his books that is especially good (maybe they all are? ).

I hope this post does not change the nature of the thread. Perhaps, it might be good to answer me in another thread? Hey . . . this is what I'll do. I myself will take the time & do it (start a new thread), under "J.M. Coetzee" OK? Look for it.

Thanks, in advance.

[Frater]

Right, here's the original quote:

"He continues to teach because it provides him with a livelihood; also because it teaches him humility, brings it home to him who he is in the world. The irony does not escape him: that the one who comes to teach learns the keenest of lessons, while those who come to learn learn nothing."

(From 'Disgrace')

Comparing this with the version I gave in the previous post, I would say that its journey through Polish didn't do it too much harm.

'Frater'

[struelle]