Fiction

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WHY?


The following is an excerpt from my most recent electronic book length text posted at Purity Publications. While I do not as a rule write fiction, this proves to be one of the exceptions. It concerns an imaginary character, called Sage. He exemplifies some of the values of a village culture, in which I was raised. This is in the genre of wisdom literature.
Sage is amazingly curious. Little seems to escape his notice, and gives rise to endless questions. In this regard, he attempts to justify his behavior with the saying, “The more we know, the more we realize that we do not know.”
One day he was walking along the beach, when he saw a sand castle. Now he could have reasoned that this was built by an enterprising crab, but this seemed highly unlikely. As he continued, he came across a young girl with shovel in hand. This appeared to be a more likely alternative, and upon inquiry, it was confirmed. (Incidently, J. Edwin Orr reasons in similar fashion, from creative design, to suggest God’s existence.)
Then there was a highly argumentative person, who delighted in controversy. Consequently, he would take issue with whatever a person said. This created a situation where persons would alter their position to conform to his, so that he would shift to counter their agreement. This seemed amusing to them. (While he did not seem to be aware of their subterfuge.)
But Sage was not content to poke fun at this obnoxious individual, and so explored the matter in greater depth. Upon doing so, he decided that it provided a sense of identity. Which is to say, I argue and therefore I am. He further concluded that this was only one of many ways that persons employ for the purpose. Whereupon, he began to construct a list, as a means to better relate to persons and their needs.
“Why do people watch so much television?” he reflected on another occasion. It did not seem to him a very constructive use of their time. He first supposed that a careful study of the programming would provide an answer. However, he found that the agenda of those programing was quite different from that of most of their viewers. Consequently, there was no simple correlation between the two.
Upon further reflection, he concluded that the programmers often revealed an elitist mind set. That is, they consider themselves better informed or more perceptive than the general public. Conversely, they often seemed more out of touch with reality. “Strange,” he concluded, “ I will have to give this matter further thought.”
He also observed strange abnormalities. As to why a cat would seem friendly on one occasion, but appear intimidated on another. Especially when the circumstances appeared unaltered. This led him to conclude that there were subjective features involved. But these appear obscure, if not altogether inexplicable.
He likewise noted the ambiguity associated with sexual harassment. Such as when a girl is complemented for her attractive appearance. While some seemed to welcome this, others felt intimidated. This brought to mind a humorous interchange, concerning a young man who held open the door for a girl to enter. “You did that because I am a woman,” she indignantly protested.
“No,” he assured her, “but because I am a gentleman.” As if representative of two different sub-cultures. Which is perhaps the case.
“Why am I forever asking question?” he pondered. Since there seemed to be no ample explanation. Sometimes for one reason, and sometimes for another. Perhaps not for the seemingly apparent reason, hiding some baser motif. “How strange,” he concluded. (In retrospect, this recalls Augustine’s observation that all truth is God’s truth. No doubt Sage would heartily agree.)

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