I have read through this book and found it fascinating in the complexity and diversity of the pieces. The foreword by itself is thought provoking but very clear on the origins of the authors thought process and driving motivation for his viewpoint.
Chapter one, devoted to self portraits and self searching has some pieces that I will have to read several times to get the full “picture” he is stating, if I ever do. In particular “scatterbrain” and “a little bit of everything” paint so many pictures that it seems to be a montage of the different aspects of personality, Facets of a crystal. “Damn the Torpedoes” seems to be something from real life and if so it must be a very strange life
Chapter two on philosophy is clear and consistent in viewpoint. He seems to have a positive but slightly cynical view on life and the Chaos pieces are and can be tied to the
Particular philosophy in chapter seven, “ten sen ma ryu shi” the “Five point program”. Interesting Zen aspect.
Chapters three, four and five cover Society, religion evolution, and science,
Terrorism and “how can they” are very topical and provoking and give a very accurate depiction of what angers the author. Much the same as what angers all normal people but the take on the subjects shows some insight into the social mindset that brings on such terror.
“Darwin’s Nightmare” in chapter four is a valuable insight into the fears and courage of Darwin and “raining Dodgson Cat” in chapter five is a strange look at black holes and energy as well as the title of the piece being a play on words with the reference to the writer of Alice in Wonderland who happened to be a mathematician.
The major piece of Chapter six is “Why English, why Now” and for all anglophiles is an essential read, although “ennui’s ejection is a joy to read for its humor.
On the whole I can recommend this book for all lovers of poetic composition that makes you think again and again. And just when you think you have a handle on a piece a new angle hit you like a hammer and makes you rethink.
Worth it for the exercise of attempted understanding and for the pleasure of reading more than once, twice or however many times you need.