Here I Am
The prologue is a literary device that informs the reader of the content to follow. Sometimes it takes the form of a backstory that might be helpful in understanding the set and setting of the work we are about to read. Sometimes it serves as an outline of what is before us.
I think E.J. Gold has used this prologue in later sense. The narrator tells us that the while riding in the car with EJ he has the impression of “trying to stay on a brahma bull.” That sets the tone for us moving forward.
There is a delightful interplay between the use of this ‘wonderful machine’ – an expensive Bentley open coupe – and his own ‘organic machine.’ With simple effort of exposition EJ sets out the use of the HeadBrain – its use is important and limited. Let it do its job, but curb its enthusiasm to also lead.
Then, he slides into what becomes for me the theme of this volume.
“Sometimes I am amazed at my ability to fixate my attention on one idea, like self-invocation, and at the same time place part of the attention not really necessary for self-invocation on (those items around me).”
– and then –
“not only is all this taking place around me, but, I am also part of this picture. My impartial presence could transform this event if only I were able to invoke myself into the present.”
Ah, there’s the rub – if I were only able to invoke myself into the present. Hum… well, can I do that, can I then ‘transform this event?’ We shall see.