In Search of Stones

In Search of Stones: A Pilgrimage of Faith, Reason, and Discovery
by M. Scott Peck

I would have never thought of reading this book without the introduction of the author's first, and best-seller, The Road Less Traveled. I was only convinced then to grab a copy when a formidable dean recommended it to our class back in my senior year in college. The Road Less Traveled is an enlightening book, food to the soul to say the least. It was an inspiring read, hence, my urge to read more of the author's works.

Quite differently, In Search of Stones is a much detailed book about psychology, life and mystery. It has a personal touch since this is about Scott Peck's pilgrimage to Wale, Scotland and England with wife, Lily. History, arts, sociology, archaeology, and theology are loosely intertwined that you will never know how to classify such work. Interestingly, Peck is able to bring about interesting facts and reflections to their three-week vacation. It seems that each day of their travel was a learning experience that I just can''t figure out how he can casually talk about it.

The author talks from reason, romance, addiction, holiness, parenthood to time, art, integration and despair in such a casual way that it almost dawns to me that I'm only talking to a friend. Despite this casual nature, In Search of Stones quite bluntly integrated the concept of dichotomy, of paradoxes, of relativity. I can't exactly explain how this had enlightened my view of life and religion. The principles he shared shattered some of my comfort zones, challenged my view on family affairs, on religion, and how they have made a strange realization that things in life aren't always what we see in the superficial.

Without inclination to religion, secularism, or a particular belief, the book has strongly discussed about the pitfalls and borders of the subject matter. It has succeeded in presenting the realities of today, yet it doesn't give solutions or aleternatives to them. The book has somehow taken a place in my consciousness as one of the best books of psychology and of life, albeit not so much on theology.

The Weekly Sillimanian is now up and running in the web with its fresh lay-out, which I like, and a batch of excellent articles. Thank goodness, I can now at least have a glimpse of what's happening in the other side of the island.

Ten Things People Should Remember When They Borrow Books

Well, I have always thought that in the third world, it is normal for neighbors and classmates and lovers and friends to borrow each others' possession such as books. Well, not just books there are also things that aren't spared from this Filipino phenomenon: that include ballpens, petty cash, even intermediate papers (well, that's obviously a collective habit of typical college students). Parasitic as it is, though, people tolerate this . I remember a friend who lent money to a supposed friend, and when pay day comes, that little stafador just went out and could never be found despite all the effort to search for her den. Well, we could never be amazed less of her tactics and invisibility powers.

Anyways, I would focus on the TOP ten things that people should remember when they borrow someone's book.

10. Never ever write comments, highlights, or any visible marks in any of the pages of that book. It's not yours, how are you supposed to explain your liberty of just scribbling down into someone's property? It's pain in the eye to see a myriad of colors under those small prints. Your opinion isn't needed, either. It's vandalism, mate.

9. Don't break the back bone, whatever you call it. It is most embarrassing to see your once well-conditioned book with scoliosis. A broken spine is a disgusting sight.

8. Keep away liquids from that precious book. Just how you care for your precious iPhone or Mac Book, liquids aren't allowed near a book. Do otherwise, and the obvious will happen. You know what I mean.

7. Yeah, remember those times in the library when you just can't stop the urge of tearing a page. Well, those are only applicable to libraries and special journals or wherever you do your crime. You can tear them as much as you want depending on how strong or weak you conscience is, but don't do it to your friend's. He will know it sooner or later, and most likely he's most convinced in pointing an accusing finger to none other than you. Yes, you. How can you supposed to take defense, huh. Silly.

6. Eating while reading is as typical as singing in the shower, but, for the life of you, don't drop a piece of that MnM's. Not only that they make a good sign of your neatness, but they make an impression of your carelessness. Who would love reading Twilight with all the red and yellow and green and greasy spots? Or those cookies your mom just baked for you?

5. Whether dog-earing is acceptable or not, a borrower should never do it to someone else's book. I personally think that folding pages is as acceptable as using a paper clip to bookmark a page. But then, the rule changes when it's not yours. Never do that to someone else's book, it's just too conceited of you to feel free doing absolutely everything to something that is not yours. Rather, using those glossy, Hallmark book marks would be a safe practice.

4. Avoid using your dirty and greasy fingers to flip the pages. To be exactly sure, wipe your hands with tissue or better yet, hit the faucet and use soap. You just can't imagine a friend's reaction when he sees those dirty thumb marks in the white pages. They make semblance, but it's not that that kind of semblance that's good, it's just gross.

3. If you happen to have promised to return the book on Saturday, it is your sole responsibility to do so. Never wait for the lender to send you a pa-cute SMS reminding you that it's one hell of a Sunday already and it's bloody time that the book should have been in his desk already.

2. Misfortune of all misfortunes, you lost the book, please be honest enough to tell the lender it has gone forever. Don't make excuses, they just show how shallow you are. Be adult enough to admit that you have lost it. It doesn't stop there, though. Hit the nearest PowerBook or National Bookstore, and pay the cashier. Nothing can be worse than never replacing the book after all the apologies.

1. And the ultimate cultural mistake of all, sobbing inserted, the execution of the plan: NOT TO RETURN THE BOOK AT ALL. Time after time, the lender reminds the borrower about the book. The borrower promised that it's in good hand, and in time, he will return it. Lo and behold, oblivion seems to swallow that promise. With all the confusion, busyness, and apparent lack of recording who got to borrow what, the book is gone in perpetuity. The devil smiles.