Logicomix

I recently read a graphic novel called Logicomix that applies the theme of the superhero's quest to an alternate form of hero: the classical mathematician Bertrand Russell. While there is some degree of math and logic involved, the primary focus is one man's struggle to walk the line between ardently searching for mathematical (and therefore worldly) truth and not losing his mind like so many of his logician peers. It's an interesting biography, though it includes the small irony of taking some liberties with the historical truth of Russell's while trying to convey his quest for truth. It's also a pretty quick read, so I don't have too much to say without spoiling the story. As for the art, it avoids the manga-izing of many graphic novels, putting it more in the realm of Persepolis in terms of the serious artistic work of the genre.

Also, today I owned the Comcast support person trying to find out why I couldn't connect to the internet by applying principles learned from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I'm now even more convinced that the universality of that book's practical (if not metaphysical) ideas enables me troubleshoot far better than the average resetter and rebooter. That and k2's 2004 coaching in the ways of the Apple.