This book is definitely a harder read than On the Road. At first I was a little put off that I knew Pheadrus's identity before beginning- I suppose I wanted some suspense or mystery. (I rarely read book introductions or prologues for this reason, but after a short scan, decided to do it this time.) But getting further in, I was thankful because I would have been so confused. The narrative doesn't have a particularly unique or electrifying style, but I think weaving the current story, back story, and philosophy together helps move each of them along nicely. I don't have a chance to get bored by any one of them before I'm reading about the next.
The introduction says how schizophrenia is two minds with different values (xiv). Maybe it's because I'm no longer basing my values on Christianity that they change as often as they do. At first I was thinking that everyone questions their values, but it seems that the older people get, the more they know what is important to them.
"He never tells his story except in ways that are calculated to make you like him" (xiv) - I think I write this way. I'm ever searching for approval. Even when I write things that aren't the most flattering or like-able, I believe that the honesty I have exhibited will be admired.
"There are human forces stronger than logic" (21). That's why pro/con lists never work.
"Physical discomfort is important only when the mood is wrong. Then you fasten on to whatever thing is uncomfortable and call that the cause" (24). No one has headaches in bed during the first few weeks of a relationship.
I like the idea of slowly reading a book with a child that is over their head in order to encourage discussion. (49) I guess I'm doing that myself on some level with this book.
"Practicality isn't the whole thing with gloves or anything else" (53)
Goethe's poem seemed quite blatant foreshadowing, especially after the revelation of Chris's stomach problems and imminent mental illness.
John and Sylvia are usually in the same mood and have the same sense of urgency or exhaustion.
"From all this awareness we must select, and what we select...call consciousness" (97).
"...fear that comes from knowing there is nowhere you can possibly run" (109). That's why anxiety for me so so terrifying. It's just a spiral in my mind that feeds off fear and creates more, covering up any hint of escape.
Classic vs. Romantic Thinking
This site describes liberals as romantic and conservatives as classical.
....So which am I?
* I started reading the list of motorcycle parts in categories and immediately wanted to skip it. I thought this made me obviously a romantic thinker, but later saw that Persig was using that list to over-illustrate how romantics think about classical thinking.
*I do like organizing and knowing the "why". I believe I'm very rational and like to find the most economical or ergonomic or (time-o-nomic?) way to do things.
*I can get really excited about making or doing things, then once I realize what process is involved, I bail. Romantic or lazy?
*I like the idea of discussion but going so deep on a word like quality seems like beating a dead porpoise. Maybe that's why I didn't find meaning in Easy Rider. Looking for meaning seemed like we were contriving something special.
Conclusion: Sexual preference was once explained to me as a bell curve. Some people were 100% straight or gay, with most of the population being somewhere in the middle. I think this is how the personality types are. Maybe Persig was able to see it clearly because he and Sylvia/John were complete opposites. But most people don't always fall into one type or the other and have some qualities of each.
