Rantings of the Herald

Just completed reading “Emergency” by Neil Strauss. Neil is probably better known for his rock biographies and the current bible on how to pick up women - titled “The Game” which has seen some commercial success.

While I have not read his previous works, I happened on this title through the recommendation of Tim Ferriss who writes a blog to accompany his exceptional book “The Four Hour Workweek.”

Strauss examines the condition of the U.S. as it stands following the re-election of W and the advisability of developing an escape plan for (in survivalist lingo) WTSHTF - when the shit hits the fan.  To this end he subjects himself to a quest that includes: wilderness survival training, firearms training, dual-citizenship, Swiss bank accounts, asset protetction through LLCs, knife training, martial-arts training, survival cache creation and distribution and other assorted disciplines that fill the subsequent four years of his life.

Though the book is billed (somewhat wrongly) as a how-to manual, it is actually a narrative that carries the reader along with Strauss in his quest to prepare for the unknown and fully cover all the eventualities “Just in Case.”

Possible spoiler:

The culmination of the narrative occurs when the author realizes that the path of survivalist techniques and third-country escape plans is not what he was searching for - to put it simplistically, he discovers the value of helping his fellow humans.

The book closes with a quote from “The Epic of Gilgamesh” which is one of the oldest epic stories known to history (and a highly recommended read).  The quote is the parting words of the Fishwife (Alewife)  Sidur(i) to Gilgamesh:

“When the heavenly gods created human beings, they kept everlasting life for themselves and gave us death.  So, Gilgamesh, accept your fate.   Each day, wash your head, bathe your body, and wear clothes that are sparkling fresh.  Fill your stomach with tasty food.  Play, sing, dance, and be happy both day and night.  Delight in the pleasures that your wife brings you, and cherish the little child who holds your hand.  Make every day of your life a feast of rejoicing!  This is the task that the gods have set before all human beings.  This is the life you should seek,  for this is the best life a mortal can hope to achieve.”

Another example that primitive does not mean stupid.

Just wanted to share…