Book Club Blog #2

Summary: In the second half of our book club cook, "Island" by Aldous Huxley, the main character, Will Farnaby, finds out the ways and customs of the Palanese people.  He learns more about the history of the island from Dr. Robert and Susila. He learns that the the islands customs have been in place since Dr. Susila's great grandfather influenced the Raja to tryout his ideas. One of these ideas that is still being enforced on the island is the drug. Murgan refers to the drug being given in Pala as "dope".  According to Dr. Robert, this drug is referred to the people as "moksha medicine" or in other words a "reality reliever". This drug causes the Palanese people to undergo an "out of body" experience. The drug causes the people to feel constantly happy and mentally healthy. As we continue reading, Will exposed to some of the Pala culture an rituals. Part two ends with Will meeting Vijaya's wife and experiencing the different styles of parenthood that makes the Palanese people unique.

Quotes:
#1 "We all belong," Susila explained, "to an MAC- Mutual Adoption Club. Every MAC consists of anything from fifteen to twenty five assorted couples. Newly elected brides and bridegrooms, old-timers with growing children, grandparents and great-grandparents- everybody in the club adopts everyone else." (Pg 89)

#2 "God has nothing to do with it," Ranga retorted, "and the joke isn't cosmic, it's strictly man-made. These things aren't like gravity or the second law of thermodynamics; they don't have to happen. They happen only if people are stupid enough to let it happen." (Pg 80)

#3 "But Pavlov, purely for a good purpose. Pavlov for friendliness and trust and compassion. Whereas you prefer to use Pavlov for brainwashing, Pavlov for selling cigarettes and vodka and patriotism. Pavlov for the benefit of dictators, generals and tycoons." (Pg 195)

Reflection:
In this section, the readers finally get to see the unique culture and customs of the people of Pala. Their customs seem to be very different than what the Westerners are used to which is why Will fins it hard to adjust. However, at the same time their ways seem to be more productive and helpful to the environment and their health. Although they are different it could potentially be a better lifestyle. I am curious to find out what Will will discover next on Pala.