[MD] dressed in black

[MarshaV]

Here is something to consider.  The other day I was standing outside the bank waiting to use the ATM machine.  While standing there I was admiring a beautiful black Suzuki that was parked near the door.  Out from the bank walked the owner, dressed in black leather, about 30-something, handsome, clean-cut.  He caught me admiring his bike and smiled.  

   "Nice bike." 
   "Thanks" he said.
   "Have you read 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" I asked. (What else would be on my mind?) 
   "Yes, that's required reading for someone like me." 
   "Have you?", he asked me.
   "Many times.", I responded.
   "Really?", he asked in a very surprised manner.
   "Have you read 'LILA'? I asked him.
   "What's LILA?" 

Oh my God!  He had never even heard of 'LILA'.  

   "It's Robert Pirsig's second book.  It's a very good book." 
   "What's it about?" 
   "It's a great book.  It's more philosophical, and a great book!", I stressed.  "It's about the Metaphysics of Quality."  
   "I like that.", he said.
   "You like metaphysics?", I said, shocked.  (What can say...)
   "No, I like Quality.", he recovered.  (Thank goodness!) 
   "Then you'll like 'LILA'. It's a great book, by a great author, on a great subject.  In 'LILA' the story is about his adventures sailing down the Hudson River while he explains the Metaphysics of Quality. 

Just then it became my turn to enter the bank to use the ATM machine.  

  "Enjoy your day." I said.
  "You too." 

When I came out he was still there fiddling at the back of his bike.  He smiled and asked again what was the name of the book I had mentioned.  He pulled out a big book and said he needed to return it to the library, and that he'd check to see if they had a copy of 'LILA' to lend.  

  "If the library doesn't have the book, find it somewhere else.", I said.  "'LILA' is an important book to read."  
  "I will.", he promised.  And off he went towards the library with the book to be returned in his hand.  

Now consider:  HE HAD NEVER EVEN HEARD OF 'LILA'.