Zorba On My Mind

In 1946 (I was three years old at the time), Nikos Kazantzakis wrote The Life and Times of Zorba the Greek.  The original Greek title literally means “The Life and Politics of Alexis Zorba.”  I’ve read the book innumerable times since my first reading of it in the late 1960’s (after the 1964 film “Zorba the Greek” was released).  Nikos Kazantzakis has been my companion through the written word for nearly 55 years!  I’ve read most of his books—some of them many times over.

The meaning of the name “Zorba” in Greek means “Live each day.”  This is precisely what the character Zorba does in the Kazantzakis’ novel.  In spite of setbacks, problems, complications, failures, and all else, Zorba lives each day to the full—no matter how life tumbles in on him.

Sam Keen in his book, To A Dancing God, had Zorba on his mind, too, when he wrote: “But I long to release the gypsy in me who would roam the earth, tasting, sampling, traveling light.  There are so many lives I want to live…I travel one path only by neglecting many. I want Zorba in my life.”  Keen wants to “live each day to the full” as Zorba did.  So do I.

All those who have read the book or seen the film (starring Anthony Quinn) Zorba the Greek, remember the end of the story.  After all the sadness and calamitous happenings are told, the story ends with Zorba dancing the sirtaki on the beach with total abandonment and teaching his staid intellectual friend, Basil, to do the same.  

When Zorba comes to mind, I often go to YouTube and watch Zorba’s dance from the 1964 movie.  The video reminds me that I want Zorba in my life.  I want to live each day to the full no matter what comes my way—and I want to dance my way through it all.  

“Dance, then, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the dance said he.  And I’ll lead you all wherever you may be, and I’ll lead you all in the dance said he.”