Deep Something

True Joy Is a Serious Thing

July 16, 2026 B. John 115 Views 2 Comments Stoicism, Meaning, Seneca, nostalgia, Music, attention, true joy, ordinary days, Pictures at an Exhibition

This entry is in the series Journey Through Stoicism

For years, the Latin phrase Res severa est verum gaudium has appeared at the bottom of my personal letterhead. I understood it to mean, “True joy is a serious thing,” and I loved the way it gave joy weight. Only recently did I learn that the words came from Seneca.

That discovery opened the door to a deeper reflection on the difference between happiness and joy. From the grand ending of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition to a quiet hillside in Boone, this essay explores the kind of joy that carries memory, beauty, loss, gratitude, and meaning all at once.

Culture Movies

Kickin It Old Skool

September 7, 2007 B. John 486 Views 0 Comments Maria Menounos, Michael Rosenbaum, Miguel A. Nunez, Comedy, nostalgia, 80-039s, Break Dancing, Harvey Glazer, Jamie Kennedy, Jr.

A young breakdancer hits his head during a talent show and slips into a coma for twenty years. Waking up in 2006, he looks to revive his and his team’s career with the help of his girlfriend and his parents.

Environment General Weather Science

Fond Memories Of My Favorite Season

October 9, 2005September 29, 2018 B. John 1117 Views seasons, farming, football, mother, granddaddy, high school, grandfather, a.s.u., grandmother, appalachian state university, memories, band, mom, canning, nostalgia, college, school, fall, season, farm

Autumn has officially arrived. As usual it’s a little hard to tell here in Tampa. However, we got a couple of overcast rainy days this past week. That made it a little cooler, and made me think of Fall.