The Philosopher's Stoned

Book excerpt: The first collection of short stories from novelist R. W. Hershey, The Philosopher's Stoned attempts to capture the role of adversity in creating personal change. Adversity comes in many forms, and we can overcome it or be overcome by it. When you read the story of Bonnie, or of the unfortunate prostitute facing her past, you might be reminded that adversity is only as strong as one's own weaknesses. I hope you're inspired to challenge adversity when you read of Shinjiro fighting to regain his legs, Pietro learning a bit more than he's supposed to, Berend Botje rising from turf farmer to legend, or the Little Champs standing tall against their tormentors. Perhaps you'll think twice about the true Blessings of Madness, embrace the marriage of higher and lower in one's own Entheogenic Engagement, and guard against the trappings of Unlightenment. Perhaps you'll be inspired to pity the King of Everything trapped inside his angry dominion, wonder at the twisted mind behind Project Grudge's effort of revenge, and bemoan sufferers of the Harvard Syndrome. All are facing the fire of adversity in their own way, some consumed by it, others rising above it, and it's a matter of interpretation whether the subjects are better or worse for their experiences. Remember that everyone has a story, everyone has a past. Some will overcome this past, some will harness it and be empowered, and some will be devastated by it. If we allow it to, adversity can have a purifying effect, and can help us understand its influence on others. After all, sometimes you find the Philosophers' Stone, and sometimes you find the Philosopher's stoned.