A friend recommends a movie: “Kevin, it’s perfect for you…about death, suicide, the past…the things you love!” I go, and want to leave the theater after 15 minutes. I’ve often bought a chocolate bar or bottle of wine after reading an article proclaiming their merits: “…you’ll experience rich notes of raisin, orange peel, dates, rose, saffron.” I eat and drink and want to spit. “Read this book, it will change your life!” Mostly unread, the book is now in Africa…either delighting or puzzling a child who happened to grab it from a bookshelf. If you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably bought a perfume without smelling it because it was praised by a “trusted” reviewer. I have! I buy…and cry: “What a waste of money!”

In my early years, I would get mad at being ‘tricked’ out of my time and cash. I’d rant: “Liars!” “Fools!” “Tasteless ignoramuses!” Now, I’m gentle. I think: maybe that book or chocolate bar or movie or perfume DID bring joy, a sense of revelation to someone — else…

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