County Court Judge Adams recently hosted a thought-provoking lecture at the Catholic Institute in Limerick, themed around “Life and its Pleasures.” The engaging talk covered a variety of areas, including the joys of reading, appreciating literary masterpieces, and exploring the world through travel. He urged the attendees to embrace self-discipline, suggesting they experience different cultures and broaden their horizons before committing to their life paths. Judge Adams highlighted the affordability and accessibility of literary classics, such as the works of Shakespeare and Byron, demonstrating that compelling sources of enjoyment need not be expensive.
Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph – Friday 01 February 1901
Judge Adams delivered a well-received, scholarly lecture on “Life and its Pleasures” to a packed audience at the Catholic Institute in Limerick. The Reverend O’Riordan, President of the Institute, briefly introduced the learned and popular lecturer.
Judge Adams emphasized the importance of innocent pleasures in life. He argued that it is essential for the utility and nobility of an individual’s life that their recreational activities be elevated and refined. He identified a significant scope for improvement in how young men spend their leisure time, arguing that they too often neglect the noblest and most elevating of worldly pursuits – reading.
The judge highlighted that good editions of the world’s best and most famous books are now accessible and affordable. Reading was presented as the finest and most delightful of all pleasures. The great poets, such as Shakespeare and Byron, are within the reach of everyone, and can easily be bought for a small price. Music was referred to as another of life’s affordable, noble pleasures. Music is the most democratic of all the arts and is the delight of the rich, and the comfort and solace of the poor.
Travel is perhaps the most divine pleasure available, yet it is unfortunately not within everyone’s reach. However, many young men, through self-discipline, could benefit their health and character by experiencing a little of the world before they acquire onerous responsibilities. A visit to Rome, for example, could be a liberal education.
Judge Adams also discussed the value of science and the grandeur of astronomy. Although few can be like the astronomer in the tower, delightful books such as “The Heavens” by Sir Robert Ball can add an extraordinary degree of interest and variety to life. Today, the fairyland of science is a true wonderland that all people can explore. Similarly, the enchanted world of art is an alluring, albeit often restricted, source of pleasure.
Admiring the beauties of nature and studying local history and archaeology were presented as other valuable pursuits. Judge Adams painted a picturesque description of the view visible from Arthur’s quay and quoted passages from Griffin’s “The Collegians” and D. MacCarthy’s legend of the lost bells. The history of Ireland is enlivened by the ruined churches and castles of Limerick, and fostering a spirit of local patriotism is both a pleasure and a duty of life.
The judge urged listeners to teach their children to regard local history as Englishmen regard their own country’s history. He called for pride in brave deeds and great figures from the past, regardless of the side they were on or the flag they served under.
Father O’Donnell proposed a warm vote of thanks to Judge Adams, which was also supported by Mr. Joyce. Judge Adams’ witty response brought the engaging proceedings to a close.
Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph – Saturday 02 February 1901
