Primitive or Progress?

Also read this one quickly. I got onto James Michener reading The Source, which I highly recommend for its historical insight into the land of Israel, though not for its view of the age of the earth or some graphic (though accurate) portrayals of ancient religious rituals.

Caravans is about an upperclass, Ivy League girl who runs away from society and progress to Afghanistan. Interesting contrasts Michener portrays between primitive freedom of nomads and complex progress intruding into nations like Afghanistan. For most of the book, the girl who runs seems to have the best insight, that western progress is mundane and messes things up, but that the simplicity of nomads is pure and clean. But she is disillusioned when the man she's with uses everyone around to play politics to get elected leader of the confederation of nomads. This only grows when a man's hand is cut off for stealing, and when a woman is stoned to death for adultery.

There are some good snippets of history in a little known part of the world, and insight into the lifestyle of Afghans and nomads. Apparently, Michener himself traveled with nomads in Afghanistan for a while. It's not all pristine and happy-go-lucky, that's for sure.

We learn that in the midst of primitive barbarism or progress and creature comforts, everyone is "spiritually wounded" (Michener's phrase) and still haven't found what we're looking for.

There's a strong nihilist, or existentialist, streak in here. The runaway believes all the ruins we see, where often no one even remembers the name of the cities, are the future of every civilization. That the best thing is to be a non-person, with no worries or responsibilities, and don't worry about society around you too much. Rather like Ecclesiastes - everything is meaningless - which makes sense if there is nothing more certain to hold on to.

"We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:18-19).