on the use of spare moments
In an intriguing letter, Pliny’s nephew, known as Pliny the Younger, describes his uncle’s activity as an author. Replying to a correspondant who wishes to obtain his uncle’s books, he describes the elder Pliny’s continuous authorship carried out in the course of an active life of service to the state. He would arise in the middle of the night (in winter often at midnight or an hour later) to study, often dozing during his work. Before daybreak he would visit the emperor Vespasian, who also worked at night, perform his official duties, and then return home to continue his studies. After his meals, when he was not too busy, he would lie in the sun while a book was read to him and make notes and extracts. His thoroughness was notable: he “made extracts of everything he read.” During dinner, a book was read aloud, while “he took rapid notes.” He continued his routine of study “in the midst of his public duties and the bustle of the city.” In the country, the only time he took from his work was for his bath, and while he was being rubbed down and dried, he “had a book read to him or dictated notes.” When traveling, he gave every minute to work; “ he kept a secretary at his side with a book and notebook.” In the winter he wore long sleeves to protect his hands so that even the bitter cold would not cause him to lose time. When in Rome he had himself carried in a litter, enabling him to continue his studies while going from place to place.Pamela O. Long, Openness, Secrecy, Authorship, 40
I am not inclined to this sort of existence. Guess I won’t be “single-handedly” writing an encyclopedia, then. Since, you know, I have to get my own self around town and everything.