Dirk the Great

• The theme of belief vs. doubt: Funny your alternate selections, Glenn, also had connections to Salt Lake City—Conan Doyle's Study in Scarlet is my least favorite Sherlock Holmes (though not because of the Mormon misinformation), and Louis Lamour often shows the Mormon's more favorably. The Walking Drum novel (the first LL I'd read in twenty years), was like a reading a western with swords in the dark ages. Dirk was by far the best choice, and I enjoyed it even more than the Hitchhikers Guide series, which gets progressively sillier.

• "I only believe in SCIENCE": I really feel like I know comparatively less every day. If you consider that there are lots of people learning more and more about the universe every day, even including me, then the ratio of my knowledge compared to the sum of all knowledge gets progressively smaller. Especially when you think that there are worlds without number and endless creations. (I'm hoping one of you will correct my math here). So we really know less and less every day. My prejudice is that the Brits seem to sneer at anything that's not published in three scientific journals.

• It seems that another theme was random coincidence, of which I think Adams was expert. Unlikely things don't just happen. My aha moment occurred when I Dirk said he was more concerned about McDuff breaking into the apartment than about Gordon Way's death.

• Do kids believe in the Easter Bunny? I wonder. I don't think any of my children really believe in Santa or in the Easter Bunny. They sometimes act like they do because it's fun to pretend, but they don't really.

• Audio books vs. paper books. Some books are better read (Peter's choice for this month, for example). I like most fiction in audio format, but I wonder about Douglas Adams—sometimes he's a little tangential.

• I only know one Dirk in real life. He prefers to be called Dirk the Great; maybe I'll try Svlad.
  

Thanks for all the Ghosts

I thoroughly enjoyed Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. I read it through in about a week. Unfortunately that was almost a month ago now, and so it might not be terrifically fresh in my memory.

Picking out some interesting (to me) instances of the belief/doubt theme:
- I thought Dirk's rejection of his own clairvoyance and any supernatural explanation of his coming up with all the exam questions was interesting. When someone knows for certain that something (e.g. seeing the future) does not exist, no amount of evidence to the contrary can convince them.

- The revelation of how the vase trick was perpetrated, particularly the reliance on a child's naivete, illustrates how Adams simultaneously wants us to think we're too constrained by the rigid ideologies of "acceptable" reality and that we shouldn't go off believing absurd things, like (in his opinion, I suppose) religion. Time travel, if it explains the evidence, is great; I doubt he would exhibit such sangfroid over a religious explanation.

- Gordon Way's surprise at discovering himself to be dead and yet still in existence was interesting. I think Way is set up as a fairly normal, non-introspective member of society. He assimilates the new knowledge rather quickly, all things considered, and dramatically alters his world view to accept the new evidence. Compare that to Robin William's character in What Dreams May Come where he takes some time to accept the fact that 1) he's dead but 2) he still exists. I think that, in general, Adams' writings lead me to believe he approves of rapidly evolving world views in light of new evidence, but again this seems at odds with his antithesis not only to religion but to religionists.

- The music of the spheres that Richard and the others find so enamoring indicates to me Adams' deep-felt desire to believe in an overarching, harmonizing force from which all that is good derives. This is echoed in the whole Anthem (?) development, and Richard's evidence-less conviction that the arc of a bird's wing in flight would produce beautiful music.

- The hypnotism and possession sequences, in which characters behave in ways they believe are rational and reasonable and arrived at by their own agency, but are in fact decided by an agent completely external to the individual.

So, I guess I've belabored the point a bit, but I think it's interesting in its contradictions. We should free ourselves to believe whatever best reconciles the evidence, except when it disagrees with my prejudice which is infallible despite its evidence-free basis, and oh, By the Way, you can't be sure that your logic is really your own because what if you're possessed. From a technical standpoint, my own research touches on some of these topics tangentially, and the more I know about how we know what we know the more I believe ideological devotion to deductive logic in its purest form is utterly insane. There's such a host of evidence-less assumptions that must be made before the first deductive step that anyone who claims such a process is bias-free ought to blush.

I hadn't intended to rant on the failings of deductive logic. Really, I just thought the book was a fun exploration of some of these ideas with a pretty good story that had me guessing for about 200 out of 300 pages and entertained for the full 300. Cami, who says she enjoyed it almost as much as I did, claims to have known exactly what was happening from the very first chapter. I guess some people are just like that.

Those silly Brits

I get a kick out of British humour. Off the wall, subtle, clever. It's not clear to me why, but I enjoyed the book more last time (or my memory tells me that I enjoyed the book more 5 years ago) when I listened to an audiobook version of it. No Alvin, it was not the dramatic version complete with sound effects.

In an effort to get this post on the board and allow the discussion to proceed, I won't spend too much time thinking things through before I type them. It will be like speed chess, but without the chequed board.

• The electric monk is such a creative labor-saving device: "Electric Monks believed things for you, thus saving you what was becoming an increasingly onerous task, that of believing all the things the world expected you to believe." Douglas Adams had a knack for inventing ideas that were funny in an odd way, like the babelfish. What "life-changing" device(s) would you have Mr. Adams create for you if he were still alive? I think I would like to see a device that goes around and scoops up dog poop. Like a Roomba for the backyard.
  
• Douglas Adams' initials happen to be DNA. He was born in Cambridge, England in 1952. Watson and Crick proposed the double helix structure of DNA in 1953 in Cambridge, England. Coincidence? Hmmm.
• DNA's writing style reminds me of the product lead-ins on woot.com
• One of my favourite parts of the book was the description of the software program Reason. Rather than giving it facts so that it could help make a decision, the user gave the program the decision it wanted and the relevant facts, and the program would create "a series of logical-sounding steps to connect the premises with the conclusion." It's creator used Reason to get a Porsche despite the fact that he was broke. He later sells it to the US gov't (which must be what the current administration is using to fix the economy).
• I found the mention of fractals interesting. I remember seeing something on PBS about fractals and their occurrence in nature, and how using fractals in engineering could improve the performance of antennas.
• The two big themes in the book that I saw were belief vs doubt, and regret.
• Theme #2 was covered quite nicely by Alvin
  
• Theme #1: Ironically, DNA's father was a student of theology at Cambridge, and DNA became a "radical atheist." His handling of the idea of evolution, and his implication of blind faith in Salt Lake City, fit with his professed non-beliefs. Another famous atheist, Richard Dawkin, really enjoyed this book, though not necessarily because of its religious undertones.
  I thought it was funny, and somewhat true to life, that "the more vague and ambiguous [Dirk Gently's] 'predictions,' the more other people's wishful thinking would close the credibility gap." While this is not quite the same thing as Dirk's classmates' jumping to illogical conclusions, I think I have been guilty of my brain completing a task that my body hadn't done. Example: "Are you sure I didn't take out the garbage? I could have sworn I did." The mind is an amazing powerful thing, it can almost create a virtual reality. I think DNA was suggesting that anything that is not based on concrete evidence is created by the mind. How did this book affect your thoughts about belief?
• Perhaps my favourite quote from the book: "Only a child sees things with perfect clarity?, because it hasn't developed all those filters which prevent us from seeing things that we don't expect to see." In other words, children see things as they truly are. Do you think that is so? To some degree yes, but if that is completely true, then why in the world do all those millions of kids believe in the Easter Bunny?
• Did you find yourself frequently flipping back in the book in order to try to catch details that you missed the first time through? Did you have an "aha" moment as you approached the last few chapters, or did you see it coming early on?
• I think this book may have prepared me well for this final season of Lost. As the last few episodes come and I realize what the show was all about, I will probably have a urge to watch it all over and see it with new eyes, similar to my experience when I first read this book. I wonder if people in the Spirit Prison might have a similar feeling when they are taught what this life was really all about?

And with that, my time here is finished. Thank you, and good night.

Glenn Jackson's Holistic Book Club: A Play in One Act

I know that its poor form to post on a book before the chooser of the book, but the short play I wrote in honor of Douglas Adams' unique genius has been burning a whole in my virtual pocket. Besides, I don't think it will take away from Glenn's ability to start the typical discussion. Also, I wanted to encourage Peter to choose February's book. (It's a short month.) I apologize in advance to any of you that are misrepresented or underrepresented in the following play. My memory is far less than perfect. No offense was intended towards anyone.

Glenn Jackson’s Holistic Book Club: A Play in One Act

[ Not one to have a boring normal book club, Glenn uses the information in Douglas Adams’ book to build a time machine and travels back to BYU at the beginning Winter semester of 1996 to discuss the book with Merrill Hall residents. Most of the 1100 floor is gathered in Jesse’s room for a late night symposium where he is instructing them in the art of making muscle T’s when Glenn walks into the room…]

Everyone together: GLENN!!!!!!

Christopher B: Greetings and Salutations, my friend.

Paul [sitting closest to the door]: Hug! [Paul stands up and stretches his arms out wide for an embrace, but when Glenn hugs him, he doesn’t close his arms around Glenn, making Glenn and everyone watching feel a bit awkward.]

Robert M: Good to see you, Glenn, but as Elders Quorum President, I feel it is my duty to ask, ‘Aren’t you supposed to be on in the MTC right now with Rob Chirstiansen?’

Glenn: I am in the MTC.

Ron: Dude, you’re right here.

Glenn: My 19-year old self is on a mission, but I am the older and wiser version of myself. I’ve built a time machine and come back in time to discuss a book with you.

Ron: You traveled in time just to discuss a book?

Eliott: Sweet. That’s an achievement that deserves recognition. Glenn gets to wear the Pimp Shirt!

Karl: Did I ever tell you guys how much I love TV shows that involve time travel?

Peter J: Yeah, Quantum Leap was a GREAT show, did you see that episode where… [and the room begins to break up in to 10 different conversations]

Doug: Wait a second, guys! Let’s find out why Glenn came to discuss a book and what book it is.

Glenn: Thanks, Doug. You see, in the future, we are going to start a book club over the internet.

Alvin [mumbles mostly to himself]: I’ve never even used the internet.

Dave T: I knew the internet was going to be big.

Glenn: Oh you have no idea. For example, [looking around the room], Aaron, how much money do you spend every month calling that girlfriend of yours in Hawaii?

Aaron: Let’s see…$100 + $50 +$72…

Glenn: Well, in another 10 years you will be able to call her for free over your computer AND you’ll be able see her talking via video…for free.

Aaron: I’ve gotta go call my girl and tell her. [climbs over bodies and out the door]

Peter J: Well, since you know the future, can you tell me if my relationship with Misty is going to last, you know, forever.

Alvin: You mean it hasn’t already?

Glenn: Sadly, some of these freshman romances won’t last, Peter, but there are some that will be very successful [he looks around the room trying to catch the eyes of Doug, Jesse and Ryan].

Dan [who was sitting between Doug and Ryan]: I KNEW IT! I’m going to call Jenn to tell her we’re destined for each other. [He quickly exits the room]

Doug: Was he looking at me? Does he know we’re not even dating?

Ryan: Me neither, at least not yet…I mean we’ve been on some walks but…

Christopher B.: Gentlemen, Gentlemen, Gentlemen, before this fine symposium devolved into talk of childish romances, our honored guest Glenn, from the future, was going to tell us ask us to discuss a book. Proceed.

Glenn: Thanks, Christopher. The book is…Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency.

Scott P: What a coincidence! I stayed up all night last night reading it in the bathtub.

Paul: I read it, too. After I read it for my Civil Engineering class, I got on a Douglas Adams kick and read every book he’s ever written. Did you know there is a sequel and a half?

James: It’s weird. I was just noticing how many different majors on campus had to read this book this semester. Maybe it’s part of some master plan by BYU.

Glenn: You’re right, James, none of this is a coincidence. You have to think like Dirk Gently and see the whole picture.

Doug: Wait, did you travel back in time and put this book on the syllabus of all of our classes?

Glenn: You’re quick…and not just when you’re running. What kind of assignments have your teachers given you?

Ryan: In my music class we had to perform the pieces by Bach that have the music of life from the spaceship woven into it. I liked how at the beginning of the book Bach didn’t exist and the best composer of his time was Buxtehude.

Christopher B.: Ah, yes, what would we do without Bach? Well if I were writing the book, I would have said that the scraps of the perfect song, the song reflecting the music of life, were found in Mozart or Vivaldi or Gustav Holst or….

Tim: Or Mahler!

Mark A: My cat can eat a whole watermelon.

Jesse: Maybe they had scraps, but Bob Dylan’s music has it all!

Peter J: In McDuff’s theory, all songs were fractals, or mathematically symmetric pictures that are undefined by Euclidean geometry, and can be reduced to mathematical language that our subconscious understands, though we do not. When I listen to a classic song from Neil Young, I get these fragmented images of the circuits for my EE homework. It’s inspiring

Alvin: I think if complexities of the Bengals’ music could be reduced it would look like the Egyptian pyramids.

[awkward pause]

Karl: Did you know they found fractal patterns in Jackson Pollack’s art? I was a piece of Jackson Pollack art for Halloween.

Jared: I remember Halloween because my nose still hurts from when I punched myself to get blood for my vampire costume.

Robert M: Speaking of things we regret, another interesting theme in the book is the things we are going to regret after we die. I try to live my life with no regrets.

Mark A: My only regret is not eating another bowl of lucky charms for dinner tonight.

Alvin [to himself]: I regret every card I play wrong in a game of UNO, but I think the people on the punisher board are more likely to be haunted by me than I am to be haunted a very few misplayed UNO cards.

Ryan: So Glenn, is there anything we’re going to regret doing, or not doing, in the next 10 years?

Glenn: Hmmm, I know that a few of you may regret some of the votes that you cast. Now that you’re all over 18, maybe you should have a symposium or two on politics. It’s not just about abortion, you know.

Alvin [looking at Karl]: Really?

[Karl shrugs]

Glenn: Sorry, there was a long time in there where we didn’t all do a very good job of keeping in touch, so I don’t know a lot about what’s going to happen to each of you. I will say that you may end up in a career other than what you’re planning on now.

Christopher B.: That’s why I’m getting a double major in music and pre-med. Better to be safe than sorry.

Ron: Hey future boy, is Jesse alive in 10 years?

Glenn: Yes.

Ron: Then it won’t kill him if we all pile on top of him.

Jesse: Wha-

Tim [shouts]: You better protect your posterity!

[The whole room piles on top of Jesse.]

Jake [only half dressed]: Hey some of us are trying to get some sleep. Can you dogs keep it down?

Glenn [climbing off of the pile]: Sorry, Jake. I was just leaving. One last piece of advice: This is a unique, special time in your lives. Enjoy it while you can!