“Bibliomancy: "Divination by jolly well Looking It Up.”
This quote by Marilyn Johnson humorously explains the concept of bibliomancy, which involves seeking answers or guidance by randomly selecting and interpreting passages from a book. Johnson suggests that this divination method is as simple as looking up information in a book, making a lighthearted comparison between the practice and regular reading or research. This quote reflects the playful and curious nature of bibliomancy, emphasizing the idea that guidance can be found in unexpected places.
In today's digital age, the concept of bibliomancy, or divination by randomly selecting a passage from a book, can be seen in various online forms. With the vast availability of information on the internet, individuals can "look it up" to seek guidance, inspiration, or even sheer entertainment. From search engines to online libraries, the practice of bibliomancy has evolved to adapt to the modern world, making knowledge and wisdom just a click away.
Here is an example of how the term "Bibliomancy" is cleverly defined by author Marilyn Johnson - “Bibliomancy: "Divination by jolly well Looking It Up.”
Reflecting on the quote "Bibliomancy: 'Divination by jolly well Looking It Up.'” by Marilyn Johnson, consider the following questions:
How do you interpret the concept of bibliomancy in relation to seeking answers or guidance from books?
Have you ever experienced a moment of bibliomancy in your own life, where a random passage or book seemed to provide you with insight or guidance?
Do you believe in the idea that books can act as a form of divination, offering wisdom and direction to those who seek it?
How can the practice of bibliomancy be incorporated into your own reading habits or spiritual practices, if at all?
What role do books and reading play in your search for meaning, guidance, or inspiration in your life?
“Libraries have always been there for me. Of course I'll stand up for them.”
“Maybe it begins the day you pledge allegiance,face the flag and suddenly clutch your left claviclebecause you find a tender puff of breastwhere yesterday your heart wasOr maybe it happens later when you're walking homefrom school and they rush you on the street--those boys who reach out fast, disgrace your blousewith rubs of dirt, their laughterstinging hot against your face.And you bite your rage, swallow your tearsbecause the fact is, your territory's up for grabsand somehow it's your own damned fault.And one day you stand at your mirrorarmed with jars and razor blades against the scentsand grasses of your shameless bleeding body,and you see what you've become--a freakmanufactured to disguise the real one,the one who sometimes still recalls your innocence,the time before you became a dirty joke.And maybe it begins to end the dayyou try against the odds to love yourself again.Even though you know the worst thingyou can call someone is cunt,you try to love the flesh and fur you are,that convoluted, prehistoric flower,petals dripping weeds and echoingvaguely fragrant odors of the sea.”
“It’s almost impossible to teach that sort of writing except by pointing students to a stack of clips and telling them, 'Inhale these.”
“Librarians consider free access to information the foundation of democracy.”
“Librarians are essential players in the information revolution because they level that field. They enable those without money or education to read and learn the same things as the billionaire and the PhD.”
“Good librarians are natural intelligence operatives. They possess all of the skills and characteristics required for that work: curiosity, wide-ranging knowledge, good memories, organization and analytical aptitude, and discretion.”