Life's Enthusiasms

by David Starr Jordan

"Life's Enthusiasms" by David Starr Jordan is a philosophical discourse written in the early 20th century. This book can be classified as a reflective essay that explores the importance of maintaining enthusiasm and passion throughout life. The primary topic revolves around the idea that enthusiasm derived from various experiences and relationships enriches life, encouraging a joyful engagement with both nature and the human experience. In "Life's Enthusiasms," Jordan emphasizes the necessity of embracing life with a sense of wonder and excitement, which he argues is essential to sustaining one's youthful spirit. He draws on a mix of personal reflections, educational insights, and observations of society, advocating for the pursuit of knowledge, camaraderie, and a love for nature as vital sources of inspiration. Through eloquent prose, he urges readers not to let the trials of life extinguish their enthusiasm, suggesting that a life infused with passion for art, poetry, and the natural world ultimately leads to fulfillment and a deeper understanding of one's purpose. Jordan encapsulates his message with the idea that we should "lay up a stock of absurd enthusiasms in our youth," reminding us that the journey through life is enriched when we actively seek joy and meaning in our experiences.