Golem

No, not the ring lusting little hobbit-esque creature you're thinking of. I learned while reading Amazing Adventures that a golem is a creature brought to life. Think Pinocchio, Frankenstein, and Adam in Eden. And golems were a central theme in this book. The main golem was a famous one that Joe helped secretly transport out of Prague to protect it from Nazis. It resurfaced at the end of the book in what I assume was a profoundly meaningful way (that was completely over my head).

The comic book characters Joe and Sammy created were, in a sense, golems as well. Or, failed to be, I suppose. Joe wanted them to be brought to life, battling the Nazis through his comics all the while expecting and hoping that some actual political movement would be inspired by his efforts. In this he was disappointed, as his friend had warned him:

"There is only one sure means in life," Deasey said, "of ensuring that you are not ground into paste by disappointment, futility, and disillusion. And that is always to ensure, to the utmost of your ability, that you are doing it solely for the money."

If I could twist his words to my own devices I would change it to read that you should do it solely for personal satisfaction. Money, it seems to me, could be an even larger disappointment after failure than missed political influence.

And, the perennial consideration of blogging's purpose seems to be apropos. My reason for blogging constantly evolves, but at present it is 1) because I'm completely addicted, 2) because it is helpful to me in addressing subjects that bother me, and 3) because I think it's helpful to others. And those latter points give me some satisfaction. The fact that it may NOT be helpful to anyone puts a damper on my efforts to avoid being ground into paste, but I always have #2 to fall back on.

But bringing Frankenstein to life has its cost. I could be producing other types of golems instead. Is this really the best use of my limited time? I've given up so many hobbies and interests over the years out of necessity. Adulthood and gainful employment preclude the personal indulgence I've enjoyed to create golems throughout my life. It's a sad truth that there's only so much time and it can fit only so many opportunities. I hope I'm choosing the better part. Or at the very least, I'm fortifying myself in a manner that will allow me to do so in the future. And I hope my golem doesn't end up turning on me and killing me.