Po Bronson - Live at Chicago

Continuing from my previous post on the same experience. (First post)

Po's message was that things are overall quite okay. He pointed out that we have gotten into this habit of "aggrandization of the Present."

He referred to the 4 existential fears of Kafka that might be paralyzing us. The Fear of dying, the Fear of choosing, the Fear that we will end lonely and finally, the Fear That life is ultimately meaningless.

To hear Po quote Kafka, in that hushed voice of his was quite a memorable experience in itself.

You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet, still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.

He would leaven all this seriousness by bringing in humor. He read aloud a review that showed up in Amazon, where the reviewer even claimed that Pierce Brosnan was Po's "superior brother."

Po spent a few minutes stressing that family life around the world has actually improved. He quoted lots of stats comparing contemporary numbers with past decades/centuries. Those who are interested should surely check out the factbook that he has compiled.

When Po read from his book, he had the entire audience captivated, hanging on to his every word. The interesting thing for me is that I had read the book before, knew the twists and surprises in every story, and still. To hear Po narrate the stories was a uniquely moving experience. There were lots of misty eyes in the audience, and these included the men listening.

During the Q&A session, I asked him what his next project was. His reply was that he honestly didn't know what it was going to be.

Whatever it turns out to be, I am just happy to wait and be surprised.