A salon is a gathering of stimulating people of quality under the roof of an inspiring hostess or host, partly to amuse one another and partly to refine their taste and increase their knowledge through conversation and readings, often consciously following Horace’s definition of the aims of poetry, “to please and educate” (”aut delectare aut prodesse est“).
From Wikipedia. Most notable in the 17th and 18th centuries in France, the salon was an important place for the exchange of ideas.
This painting is called In the Salon of Madame Geoffrin in 1755, by Anicet-Charles-Gabriel Lemmonier:
Blogs are a bit of a modern salon, I think. So, I wonder, if you were to attend the salon, what would you care to discuss? What books or ideas would you want to explore?
I hadn’t thought of that, but I would have to agree that blogs are modern day salons. What books? The first one that comes to mind is The Bible. I like a lot of humour, so funny anecdotes, family stories, humourous reads and movies would be enjoyable to discuss. I like to hear real stories about real people…with a bit or romance and intrigue mixed in!
Let’s see…. The Bible, Principles of Government, and Parenting/Education. These get me going the most! ( :
I thoroughly enjoy coming to your salon my friend!
I enjoyed this Jennifer! Yes, blogs really are like modern day salons. Terrific insight.
I’d love to discuss Christian theology, biblical archaeology, world travel, linguistics, medicinal herbs and botany (and general gardening), famous museums, to name a few subjects.
Books? The world’s famous libraries, art history, modern poetry.
Jennifer-I’m always learning something new here! I did not know the history of the word salon.
I think you do a great job of picking subjects to discuss-so I’d probably let you do the picking :)
Jen February 7th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Tipper, merci for the kind words, and for always engaging in my topics - that’s what makes a salon (blog) interesting - the exchange of words and ideas. I would hate to be just sounding off for the sake of hearing my own self speak. I need the interaction, it’s my inspiration to keep this thing going.
6 Responses
I hadn’t thought of that, but I would have to agree that blogs are modern day salons. What books? The first one that comes to mind is The Bible. I like a lot of humour, so funny anecdotes, family stories, humourous reads and movies would be enjoyable to discuss. I like to hear real stories about real people…with a bit or romance and intrigue mixed in!
Let’s see…. The Bible, Principles of Government, and Parenting/Education. These get me going the most! ( :
I thoroughly enjoy coming to your salon my friend!
I enjoyed this Jennifer! Yes, blogs really are like modern day salons. Terrific insight.
I’d love to discuss Christian theology, biblical archaeology, world travel, linguistics, medicinal herbs and botany (and general gardening), famous museums, to name a few subjects.
Books? The world’s famous libraries, art history, modern poetry.
BTW, Buffy (in England) hosts a wonderful blog entitled “Buffy’s Salon.” Do you know it?
http://buffy68.typepad.com/buffys_salon/
halfmoon girl, I love your topics…Bible and stories about real people are always on my list as well.
Mandi, thank you for visiting my salon. :-) I always love to visit yours as well, and reading what comes out of your wonderful mind.
e-Mom, What a great list, no wonder you are such an excellent salonniere!
Jennifer-I’m always learning something new here! I did not know the history of the word salon.
I think you do a great job of picking subjects to discuss-so I’d probably let you do the picking :)
Tipper, merci for the kind words, and for always engaging in my topics - that’s what makes a salon (blog) interesting - the exchange of words and ideas. I would hate to be just sounding off for the sake of hearing my own self speak. I need the interaction, it’s my inspiration to keep this thing going.
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