
In this lyrical essay collection, the narrator weaves together observations about the everyday rituals of greeting, the pride of a fisherman, and the subtle art of finding meaning in ordinary moments. With a warm, conversational voice, he celebrates the distinct salutations of various trades, from the salty shout of a sailor to the hearty “Glück auf!” of a miner, showing how language can carry the spirit of a vocation. The piece begins with a tender dedication to a loved one, offering a basket of simple treasures—tiny fish, shining pebbles, wildflowers—as symbols of shared life along a winding stream.
From there, the essay turns to the timeless allure of angling, portraying fishing not as a skillful conquest but as a dance with luck itself. The author reflects on the countless variables—weather, water level, fish appetite—that make each cast an act of surrender to chance, reminding listeners that the greatest fortune lies in simply being present. Listeners will find a gentle meditation on patience, humility, and the quiet joy of greeting the world in the language of one’s own calling.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (258K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Donald Lainson, and David Widger
Release date
1997-12-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1852–1933
A warmly accessible writer of stories, poems, and essays, he moved easily between the pulpit, the classroom, and public service. Best known today for "The Story of the Other Wise Man" and the hymn "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," he wrote with a clear moral spirit and a love of beauty and nature.
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