Out of the mouths of babes!
A copy of my new book, How Philosophy Can Save Your Life: 10 Ideas That Matter Most, lay in splendor on a table in my living room the week of its release in December. Happily, I sought frequent tactile assurance of its existence. More happily, a 15 year-old boy would soon teach me the real title and meaning of my book.
Tyler tagged along with a friend of mine who was stopping by for a holiday visit. It was only the second time I had met the young boy who, upon seeing the book on the table and realizing what it was, exclaimed: "Oh dude! That is RIDICULOUS! I don't even like to read books and you went and wrote one." He got as far away from the book as possible, giving it occasional horrified looks from afar. He listened patiently to "adult" conversation and played with my dog, Mel. Tyler's face brightened when he heard the word "introspection" as it was a new word in his vocabulary. I thought I'd take a chance....
Carefully, I picked the book up from the table; the deed went unnoticed. Knowing better than to open it, I tentatively handed it to Tyler and asked him to read the ten ideas painted in red on the back cover. Thoughtfully he complied: Simplicity, Communication, Perspective, Flexibility, Empathy, Individuality, Belonging, Serenity, Possibility, and Joy. Mel's head rested on his new friend's knee; Tyler patted as he read.
"What would your life be like if you had those ten things in it? I asked. Tyler gave the question his quiet consideration. At last, he found his words. "It would be perfect." The four of us sat in comfortable silence. Tyler reached his conclusion. He looked at Mel, stroked his fur, and said, "It would be a dog's life."
Who knew? The name of my book is really How Philosophy Can Give You a Dog's Life: 10 Treats That Matter Most! Tyler was right. How much can we learn from animals? Can we allow a dog to teach us about simplicity - a walk and good drink of water? Flexibility - a morning stretch and big bow to the day? Empathy - coming close at the first sign of sadness? Serenity - the satisfaction of loved people nearby and a nap in the sun?
James Tate has a lovely poem titled "The Promotion." Give it a look. Give a dog the chance to be your teacher. On days when I pay very close attention, Mel gives me a doctorate in good living.
