Wise or Otherwise

"Wise or Otherwise" by Lydia Leavitt is a compilation of insightful thoughts and wise sayings from the 1800s, offering a diverse look at life, community, and what it means to be human, particularly as a woman. Through a mix of poetry and short writings, it encourages readers to think deeply about the messages found in each piece. The book is split into two parts, the first containing touching reflections like "Lead Kindly Light," which explores the different periods in one's life, and "A Fable," a story that teaches the importance of being selfless. The second part, called "Odds and Ends," is full of aphorisms that explore many subjects such as love, expectations of society, and contradictions found in human behavior. Through these small but powerful statements, the writing asks us to consider our own lives and the complicated ways we relate to each other, underlining both the smart and unwise decisions we make.