Never Let a Fool Kiss You or a Kiss Fool You [Paperback]

 

 

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For the nutshell skip down to ---THE POINT---. If you like to get lost in circular reasoning, by all means read the whole thing. Just be patient if you do; it may seem as if I've gone off on a tangent, but I promise to come full circle. In order to deal with story problems we are taught that mathematical functions have lingual transitions. An example of this is would be: = means "as", and 2 = terms are said to be "like". As with translations between any two languages inevitably something is lost in the transition. In this instance we see that while = means "as" or "like", neither "as" nor "like" means =. In grammar we are taught that "as" and "like" are keywords for simile (which means comparison, from the Latin "similis" meaning similar). Which leads to the next issue; Do the laws of mathematics have a lingual transition? One of the most fundamental laws of math is: A x B = B x A; which would read: the product of A and B is like the product of B and A. While porcelain is the product of heat and clay, the product of heat and clay is not always like porcelain. The heat and the clay must have the same value in order for the comparison to work. I have never learned the English translation for the absolute value sign used in mathematical formulas, but I would imagine it would be "chiastic". Chiasmus seems to imply in its mathematical similarity that it is a capable vehicle for absolute truths. Certainly this book is an insight into truth, or this book is truth into insight, or maybe this truth is a book into insight, perhaps this insight is a book into truth, possibly this insight is truth into a book, or it could be that this truth is insight into a book. I seem to have gotten even myself confused. Lao-Tzu wrote that "He who talks does not know, he who knows does not talk", he also wrote that "The Way of which we are able to speak, is not the Way of which we speak". So why all the words if they are all in vain? The Buddhists have an insightful metaphor (defined by Aristotle as: The intuitive perception of the similarity in dissimilars) for the reason for words despite their futility "fingers pointing at the moon" (the moon symbolizing enlightenment in Buddhism). ------THE POINT?------ Simply that this is a much better book, than this is a review. Dr. Grothe's fingers apparently do a much better job at pointing to the moon than do mine. Where my words have led you deep into the murky waters of samsara, his become the Jewel in the lotus and the lotus in the Jewel. I hope I haven't driven you away from what truly is an inspired book. *** P.S. Sorry Mardy, I had to, Jer.1:7

What a great little book. If you like wordplay, philosphy, history and pop culture, you'll love reading chiamus quotes from then and now. Chiasmus stretchs and delights the mind. I bought the book as a guide to my teenage daughter...you know...for the kissing part, but it has also become a delightful source of information as well as entertainment. We have fun trying to make up our own chiasmus lines. If you subscribe to Grothe's weekly Chiasmic Quotes...you'll discover a new puzzle and antedote. It always gives a moment of thought or mirth; giving new pleasure to the announcement to 'you've got mail'.

I consider myself fairly intelligent, yet had never heard of a chiasmus. When I learned of them through this book, you can't imagine the fun I had trying to create them commuting to and from work. I imagine I will someday be able to start presentations with quotes that I made up that fell into this category - which isn't conceit, but rather thanks to the author for writing this book.

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5.0 out of 5 stars If you like wordplay you'll love this book
This is one of the more fun books that I've ever read, I found myself sitting up all night looking at the different phrases in the book, and working to restrain myself so that it... Read more

Published on Mar 29 2000 by Jack Peters

5.0 out of 5 stars An Invitation to a Feast: The World of the Chiasmus
There are books that you can really get into, and there are books that really get into you. Dr. Mardy Grothe's "Never Let a Fool Kiss You or a Kiss Fool You" is one of... Read more

Published on Jan 20 2000 by Dennis R. Ridley

5.0 out of 5 stars For word lovers everywhere!
Dr. Mardy Groethe not only introduced me to the literary deviceof chiasmus, but completely engaged and entertained me with his bookon the subject. The book is truly a joy! Read more

Published on Jan 14 2000 by itbe

5.0 out of 5 stars What fun, chiasmus are everywhere!
To think that Dr. Grothe found the word chiasmus and wrote a book about it is unbelievable. He obviously enjoyed the writing and the research. Read more

Published on Nov 6 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully complete and completely wonderful
Dr. Grothe's book is a joy to read. He says in his book that it is written for the intellectually curious with an interest in words, language and quotations. Read more

Published on Oct 29 1999 by David Hartson (dhartson@mail.m...

5.0 out of 5 stars What a hoot!
If only all reference books were this much fun...and useful. I sling words for a living...and this elegant little tome is an easy investment. Read more

Published on Aug 13 1999

5.0 out of 5 stars Hemingway Lovers Stand At Attention
I am a scholar and avid fan of Ernest Hemingway. Only after devouring Dr. Mardy's Grothe groundbreaking collection of literary treasures did I realize that Hemingway too employs... Read more

Published on July 22 1999

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