Observations

by Tom Martin

This book is a collection of unique observations by one who often ventures from the "beaten path." In a gentle and sometime humorous way, it challenges people to think deeply about themselves, about the beliefs they hold dear, and about others in the world around them. By allowing the reader to "see through his eyes," the author attempts to guide people into a deeper understanding of life, of God, and of a host of things. Perhaps the best description of this book comes from its Foreword, shown here in Aesop, in one of his Fables, told of some blind men who were taken to "observe" an elephant. One grabbed its tail and determined that the beast was like a rope. Another felt of a leg and concluded that it must be like a tree. Another laid hands on its trunk and proclaimed that the elephant was much like a snake. All the men were right, to some degree, yet all were very wrong. Aren't we just like these blind men? We think we know the truth when in fact "we see thru a glass darkly," as the Apostle Paul wrote in the Bible. We observe the world around us and come to conclusions which are sometimes very incorrect. With these erroneous ideas firmly in our mind, we begin to see ourselves as better or different from other people, and we begin building walls, dividing into groups, or setting ourselves apart. Often, when we believe incorrectly about one thing, it will cause us to believe incorrectly about something else, in a very predictable way. Sometimes the lies we believe are so great that it becomes impossible for us to truly think at all, and two plus two seem never to add up to four. This book is a collection of my observations of people, and situations, and all manner of things. Its purpose is to help the reader see the world thru other eyes and from a different point of view, and perhaps reach conclusions not otherwise possible. It is only when we are willing to see thru the eyes of others that we have a chance of tearing down the walls between us. It is only when we are willing to see, from another's point of view, that we can truly begin to see inside ourselves. My observations aren't perfect because I am not perfect, but hopefully they will convey a view of the world which you may not have had the opportunity to see. As you view my world more clearly, perhaps you can see your world more clearly too.

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Anthony Tenaglier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read about an astute man mixing his experiences and 'observations' from rock climbing, religion, and life. He is also a great man, whom I had the pleasure of talking to and getting to know.

My favorite line in his book:
"Intelligence is one thing and one thing only: It is the measure of one's desire to know Truth." (page 152)