Like many people, when I read I often keep a dictionary (or its electronic 1. an 1equivalent) next to me and use it to look up words or allusions that I don’t understand. The reasons are obvious.

But yesterday, I came across the word “monad”. Here is what it said on Dictionary.com:

1. An unextended, indivisible, and indestructible entity that is the basic or ultimate constituent of the universe and a microcosm of it.
2. a basic and irreducible metaphysical unit that is spatially and psychically individuated.
3. any basic metaphysical entity, especially having an autonomous life.

Sometimes, it doesn’t pay to get out of bed.

The book, by the way, is a English translation of Andre Maurois’ “Ariel”, his biography of Percy Bysshe Shelley. I’m only about half way through the book. So far, I conclude that (1) Shelley’s short life was interesting, although not to be recommended or applauded, and (2) Maurois’ writing style is a bit simplistic. But it is a quick read with short chapters, and does paint a picture you can almost visualize.