"Black Mass" by John Gray

I do not know whether reading this book when I was much younger (purely a hypothetical since the book was only written in 2007) would have seriously altered by thinking and possibly, my life's journey. But , I do know that this book punctured even more whatever optimistic and liberal vision of the world I had.

In summary, this scholar attacked any system of thought that envisions a world order that will work for everyone and every place. For instance, I recognize that the United Nations has multiple flaws, but I have voiced a system that would incorporate supportive interdependency. I would like to think that the world could live in peace, knowing full well that alternatives are self-defeating. There are many other examples, not the least of which was my hope that Obama would enable our government to function for the benefit of the people.

John Gray argues that such visions are virtually crazy (not his word). He would consider Obama's pragmatic approach to government as the only rational method to deal with circumstances that present themselves in somewhat random order. Rather than reaching for an ideal, the reality is that the realities confronting any nation can only be addressed within a vagaries of the moment, e.g., our dysfunctional Congress.

It was not a happy book to read, but it will make me reconsider the possible as fantasies that deserve less of my time.