The thing that stuck out for me during this reading was the idea that becoming a man of knowledge is not a "permanent" accomplishment, but rather a process or journey. I like this idea because in a world where accomplishments and achievements are everything, this promotes patience and the never-ending journey of learning. From what I've seen and felt, society stresses attaining this goal and that goal, getting to some sort of end. Getting an A on a paper, getting a degree from college, making a certain amount of money, saving enough to buy a home, etc. Don Juan's "goal" is everlasting and he is always gaining from his journey.
In my freshman and sophomore years of high school, my friends and I were in love with a book series called "Mates, Dates". In the second book, "Mates, Dates, and Cosmic Kisses", there is a quote that has stuck with me: "We are called 'human beings', but we should really be called 'human doings', always dashing about, doing this or that. When do we ever stop to just be?"
In my warped and twisted mind, don Juan's teachings sort of reminded me of this quote. We should stop trying to do things like and simply learn from the journey we're on. Both this quote and this book have reinforced the idea of being comfortable with myself and enjoying life. And taking time to relax. And maybe even taking time to explore myself and other...."states."
Switching gears, I can't say I really enjoyed the book for reasons I just can't explain. Maybe it was the way it was written. I did like some of the ideas don Juan presented, however. And, Jamie, you are not alone in thinking that the Structural Analysis was a bit much and maybe trying to make something concrete when it isn't supposed to be. I also thought it was way over-analyzed and could have been written in like...2 pages instead 40. But, then again, I don't know much either...
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