Yes in the way that the older I get, the more important it becomes to take care of myself. Physical activity is most important for me in this regard. Giving myself opportunity to sleep well. Avoid alcohol. These three things interact. If I take care of myself I don't feel physically old.
I read them as an adult. What I loved about the second book was the very original setting and perspective that was still completely captivating and felt believable. I don't think I have ever read anything that is quite comparable. Anyway, maybe I should give the third one another go, I'm on vacation now so maybe a little bit more relaxed and patient!
My experience was that the first book was fine, say 6,5/10. Just enough to move on to the the second, which I absolutely loved 9,5/10. Started reading the third with high expectations but it just didn't engage me at all. Didn't get through more than perhaps 25% of it.
Meaning only exists as experienced by someone particular in a specific situation in time and space. The meaning-making processes in these situations assume a configuration of previous experiences, and probably conventions, languages, agreements on symbols and metaphors, technologies and so on. "The work" doesn't have any meaning outside of these situations (maybe it doesn't even exist, depending on how you define it). The author normally has no control over these situations and thus cannot, practically speaking, determine any meaning. But probably there is neither a "the audience" that can "determine" anything. The audience likely consists of several elements that create meanings in different ways across space and time.
Related issues:
The author/creator/performer had an intention that they themselves get to decide. But this intention is not universally and necessarily the same as "the meaning of the work".
Practically speaking, the purpose of the audience is often to understand the intention of the author/creator.
Very sadly, Rutte is not anywhere near a position to ignore Trump. And pushing back currently comes with a much higher risk than sucking up. I think Rutte is playing a short term game because in the long term Trump is too unpredictable anyway. I think Rutte just wants to make sure that Trump leaves this meeting feeling that “NATO likes Donald, NATO good” so that he doesn't do anything drastic. Tomorrow he will probably focus on something different anyway. Golf, tariffs, Canada, Biden - who knows?
I had this weird cold for the last three weeks. Most symptoms are gone now but I still feel exhausted. Reminds me of when I had Covid in 2021. It was probably Covid this time as well. Wish you a speedy recovery!
Yes in the way that the older I get, the more important it becomes to take care of myself. Physical activity is most important for me in this regard. Giving myself opportunity to sleep well. Avoid alcohol. These three things interact. If I take care of myself I don't feel physically old.