From Basements to Boundless Horizons 📚 A Journey of Books, Knowledge, and Self-Discovery
- Author’s Photo
In March of 1983, as the winter frost began to thaw and the promise of spring filled the air, my family embarked on a momentous journey of change and new beginnings. Driven by my father’s ambitions to provide a better life for our growing family, we bid farewell to the dated, 1950s urban sprawl neighborhoods on the north side of town and embraced the wonders of a larger, more spacious home near the beautiful Spokane Valley community known as “Opportunity.”
This move wasn’t just a change of address; it represented a leap into a world of endless possibilities. As the moving trucks arrived and the sound of boxes being unloaded filled the air, I watched with anticipation, eager to explore our new abode. Little did I know that alongside my own belongings, boxes filled with my father’s vast collection of books would find their way into my bedroom. My father, a man of law, had earned his degree from Gonzaga University, but he was also a ferocious reader and a deep thinker. Prior to pursuing his legal career, he had immersed himself in the world of philosophy, earning a degree that would shape his intellectual pursuits and leave an indelible mark on our family’s life.
As the boxes were unpacked, I stood in awe of the sheer magnitude of knowledge and wisdom that lay before me. Amidst the chaos of organizing my own belongings, my mother reminded me that I would be sharing my bright bedroom with my brother, Andrew, and that the books and boxes needed to be relocated to the dark, unfinished basement. Yet, even in the dimly lit surroundings of the basement, the allure of those books was irresistible. Their pages beckoned to me, filled with the promise of adventure, enlightenment, and understanding. It was during this time, in the innocent days of my second-grade existence, that a pivotal moment unfolded, forever imprinted upon the fabric of my life. Life carried on with the arrival of my youngest brother, Graham, in August 1984, and amidst the new responsibilities that came with being an older sibling, I found solace and refuge in the one finished room in the entire basement — the space that became my subterranean sanctuary, my lair, my bedroom and my window into the vast universe of ideas.
A vast horizon of possibilities stretched before me, seemingly guided by the celestial hands of destiny itself, urging me to embrace the mantle of a reader. Amongst the boxes, two particular volumes stood out — the weighty tome on Nietzsche and the captivating collection of letters by C.S. Lewis. The title Nietzsche: Philosopher, Psychologist, Antichrist by Walter Kaufmann intrigued me even at such a young age, carrying a weightiness that ignited curiosity within me. On the other hand, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis emanated a sense of mystery and intrigue, drawing me deeper into its narrative. Carefully selected by my father in days long past, these books became my companions on a journey of intellectual exploration. Each one represented a distinct path — one leading to the depths of philosophical inquiry, questioning traditional beliefs, and delving into the complexities of human existence, while the other guided me through the intricacies of spirituality and the battle between good and evil. Little did I know that these two books would shape my perspective, ignite my curiosity, and set me on a lifelong quest for knowledge and understanding.
In the quiet solitude of my subterranean bedroom, surrounded by the scent of old books and the whisper of pages turning, I could not help but feel the weight of their significance. These books were more than mere objects; they were portals to a world beyond the physical, where ideas flowed like rivers and wisdom resided in the ink-stained pages. In this new home, amidst the blessings of space and opportunity my father’s collection became a treasure trove of intellectual growth and discovery. Over the years that followed, those books became constant companions, guiding me through the complexities of life and shaping my path. They were the catalysts that sparked a passion for learning, a hunger for knowledge, and a deep appreciation for the power of words. As I reflect upon that momentous move in March of 1983, I am grateful for the serendipitous convergence of events that led to the fusion of my father’s ambition, his love for books, and my own insatiable thirst for understanding.
In that spacious house, nestled in the embrace of a vibrant neighborhood, my father’s philosophy degree and his vast collection of books found a new home — a home where a young mind could roam the corridors of thought and imagination, guided by the wisdom of Nietzsche and Lewis. From those humble beginnings, a lifelong love affair with literature, philosophy, and the boundless pursuit of knowledge was born. The titles that once intrigued me now represent not only the books themselves but the transformative power of ideas, the endless possibilities contained within their pages, and the immeasurable impact they would have on shaping my identity and worldview.
P.S.
Oh, the boundaries fade away, as I tread the cryptic path,
A journey of enigmatic contemplation, a riddle’s aftermath.
The horizon’s allure, a celestial chorus guiding my way,
Destiny’s gentle touch, an unseen hand in play.
Two volumes, like sentinels, stood with an air of intrigue,
Nietzsche and Lewis, their mysteries too vast to fatigue.
Nietzsche: Philosopher, Psychologist, Antichrist, a bold decree,
Curiosity ignited, a tale waiting to be set free.
And The Screwtape Letters, a whisper from the depths unknown,
Intrigue woven through its words, a poetic melody sown.
These chosen guides, dear reader, on paths divergent yet aligned,
One peering into the human mind, where truth is enshrined.
The other navigating the realms where good and evil collide,
Together shaping visions, wisdom’s light to provide.
In the depths of my subterranean abode, where scents of age reside,
In hushed reverence, pages turned, my heart’s compass as my guide.
For these books transcended mere objects, portals to the unseen,
Where wisdom whispered secrets, where knowledge reigned supreme.
Within the embrace of my new dwelling, a sanctuary so dear,
My father’s legacy found solace, where wisdom drew me near.
A haven for growth and discovery, a profound treasure trove,
Philosophy’s bosom, where intellect finds its groove.
Years danced their rhythmic sway, those books ever true,
Guiding through life’s labyrinth, where my complexities grew.
They ignited the flames of learning, a hunger that knew no bounds,
And within me instilled a reverence for words, their symphonic sounds.
As I reflect on that pivotal move, that March of ‘83,
Gratitude fills my spirit, unveiling convergence’s decree.
In that spacious dwelling, amidst the neighborhood’s novel sway,
A love affair with literature bloomed, a flame that lights my way.
Those titles, once curious, now bear the weight of my very soul,
Unfurling life’s tapestry, symbols of transformation taking their toll.
For in the fusion of ambition, books, and an unquenchable thirst,
A poet was born, dear reader, an enigma to be immersed.
So follow the trails I’ve left, in the realms of understanding grand,
Embrace the enigmatic contemplation, an invitation to take my hand.
University of South Florida Saint Petersburg
29 July 2014
