Foreword
We have an unprecedented degree of freedom in choosing what we want
to learn and how we want to live. However, the opportunity comes
at a time of widespread uncertainty as to how we should interpret
life and which way of knowing or living best. Should we follow
the life validated by reason alone or pursue the path guided by
our inner experiences as well? In this book Richard Lem, a talented
retired academic counselor and a gifted artist, shares his insights
gained from experiences which he calls 'pop experiences'. Although
throughout his life, he attempted to discern what these 'pop
experiences' meant, it took an apparently fatal illness to internalize
the relevance of these experiences. Often tainted with misconceptions,
these 'pop experiences', Richard emphasizes, remain by the sideways
as we pass through life's many passages. It is only through
self-examination and self-evaluation that one recognizes the
connection between these insights and the purpose of life.
One of the strengths of this book is the absence of generalizations.
For example, instead of listing and labeling various characteristics
of these intuitive flashes, he describes his inner encounters,
highlights his own reactions, and ultimately shares his wisdom.
Also notable is the near absence of value judgment of other forms
and avenues of experiences. Readers are left to do their own
judging. One conviction does emerge. We are partners in a process
called life, which is continuous and eternal. Those who read this
book will have a rare opportunity to reevaluate their own experiences
in the light of Mr. Lem's insights.
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