Nescio

" . . . like many writers, he was driven to amazement and perplexity. "

Joseph O'Neill

Introduction to Amsterdam Stories by Nescio

I hate to admit it, but I don't remember why I got Amsterdam Stories from the library, and I've had it for some time now and hadn't even opened it up until this morning. But when I read the above line in the introduction, I thought I should probably have a look at the book itself before it comes due.

I will--not without chagrin & a touch of mustard--confess that I now think of myself as a writer. So when I read Joseph O'Neill's line I identified with it from that end. And it was just perfect. In fact, I have in the past said that I wanted my gravestone to simply say

because I am so regularly (more than daily, maybe more than hourly) so perplexed by the behavior of my fellow human beings. So much so that I sometimes . . . okay, often . . .  wish that I could be something other than a human being.

It's like Sister Herman said in Moby Dick:

"Men may seem detestable as joint stock-companies and nations; knaves, fools, and murderers there may be; men may have mean and meagre faces . . . . "

As you've no doubt anticipated by the wording of the preceding, SH goes on to give a powerful counterpoint:  " . . . but man, in the ideal, is so noble and so sparkling, such a grand and glowing creature, that over any ignominious blemish in him all his fellows should run to throw their costliest robes. "

And of course I do see that, too. In fact, I am happy to say that it is also a regular thing for me to see or read about people who are selfless and compassionate and wonderful. Not hourly or daily, though, for sure. Maybe biweekly. Or so.

ANYway.

I will look into this Nescio fellow.

Peace out.