Pico Iyer is in my head. He snuck in a word at a time. His articles, published by Tricycle, The New York Times, and an occasional airline magazine, support my exploration of mysteries.
Pico, a lifelong traveler, has the ability to plumb the depths of human nature. (Notice, if you will, how we are on a first name basis.)
The Man Within My Head,* Pico’s book describing Graham Greene’s foothold in his head, was the rare book I wasn’t interested in buying. Unfamiliar and uninterested in Greene’s work, I would skip this one.
Promotional material and book reviews tried to convince me otherwise. Both hinted it was essential this book make it into my Amazon cart. 1-click option activated and instant gratification wins again.
The reviews were right – the book is engaging. Here’s one of my favorite sentences: “Was it only through another that I could begin to get at myself?”
This made me ask: Is it only through Pico that I can begin to learn about myself?
I haven’t met Pico FTF. Pico didn’t meet Graham Greene FTF. Nevertheless, both relationships, mine with Pico and Pico with Graham, were instrumental in the process of our individual self definition.
Who is in your head? How did they get there? Would you be different without them? Who helps you be you? Is there anyone in your head you wish wasn’t? Please let me know in an email or comment in comments section.
Thanks for exploring the mystery headspace – Nicky Mendenhall
In honor of Pico’s travels, the picture above is from my trip to Greece in the early part of the twenty-first century.