The Angriest Boy In The World
Table of Contents
- The Angriest Boy In The World
- Depersonalization
- A Complicated Man
- The Ugly Truth
- How To Tell A Racist Joke
- Role Playing
Q: What is this book about?
A: I am finding it increasingly difficult to believe the ridiculous things people say and do and believe in–Sarah Palin and her “death panels” and all that. It fills me up with a profound sense of dread and melancholy that is sometimes paralyzing. I can’t shake the feeling that I’m dreaming while awake. This book is my attempt to figure this all out…and share what I’ve learned with anyone who feels similarly incredulous.
Q: Is this a book on depersonalization?
A: You mean the medical condition where one feels detached from the world and their feelings? Well, yes, there is an essay in the book titled, Depersonalization which is specifically focused on my experience with that phenomenon. But in general, when I talk about dreaming while awake, I’m speaking figuratively…maybe. I’m not really sure sometimes. Actually, let me put it another way, What’s the meaning of life if we live in a world based on irrationality? That’s what I was trying to figure out when I wrote this book.
Q: Why are you the angriest boy in the world?
A: Well, for as long as I can remember, I’ve been questioning things, but people seem to take offense to that. They think I’m miserable and quarrelsome, but I’m just angry. I think anger is good. Anger forces us to question things and figure things out. Anger forces us to take action, for good or ill. There’s a story in the book about my first time at an activist rally. Nobody was angry. Nobody wanted to talk about the issues they purportedly showed up to fight for. Instead, they were all smiling and frolicking and laughing. Some were even clad in ponchos and trenchcoats…in the middle of the summer for crying out loud. Meanwhile, guest speakers told their sad stories of adversity and hardship through a megaphone while spectators cheered and clapped on cue.
I just couldn’t believe it. It’s like activism was nothing more than a past-time for these people, a noble diversion for benevolent do-gooders.
Q: What lessons would you like readers to take from this book?
A: Anyone who is fair and reasonable ought to assume a more dispassionate and pragmatic way of living, especially when faced with people who impinge our pursuit of happiness.
Q: Gee, have you been practicing that answer?
A: Well I was waiting for that question. While writing the book, I kept asking myself, Why am I writing this? I guess I’ve taken solace in the melancholic writings of others and I wanted to pay it forward. Misery loves company, right?
Q: The misanthrope has spoken!
A: I’m not a misanthrope. I just said “misery loves company.” Seriously. I like people just fine…some people, anyway.
