*
Chapter Ten:
Philosophical Discussion
*
"I don't think that map will do us much good after we cross Elfland,"Dorothy said, as she looked at the words LARGELY UNEXPLORED which markedthe area between Elfland and the Deep South Territory.
"We'll just have to take our chances," she continued. "You know, when Iwas here before I didn't realize that there were so many other cultureswithin Oz. I met a lot of Munchkins and some Quadlings, and all thoseother interesting people and animals and creatures. I wonder how manyvarieties there are?"
"There are an infinite number of lands and cultures within Oz," said theTin Woodman. "That's what makes Oz such an interesting place. It wouldbe a monotonous land indeed without variety. But I don't think Oz willever be fully explored. The Great Wizard who created Oz must be quitepleased with his creation."
Dorothy looked puzzled. "You mean the Great Wizard that Glinda spoke of?"
"Oh, yes indeed." Answered the Tin Woodman. "There's only one GreatWizard. All worlds are created by him, and he loves every soul whoresides in his creation: even the Wicked Witch of the Deep South."
"How could He love someone so evil?" questioned Dorothy.
"I was wondering that myself," said the Scarecrow.
"Well," said the Tin Woodman. "He must realize that she's her own worstenemy, and he's just waiting for her to catch on to that fact. I don'tknow why some people are so filled with hatred. As I told you, Dorothy,ever since I've had a heart I've been having a lot of feelings, and I'vebeen trying to understand why some people have a lot of love insidethem, and enjoy helping others; while some only care about themselves.Perhaps the people who can't feel love and compassion have no heart atall."
"Or perhaps something happens to them that causes their heart toharden," said the Lion.
"Not to change the subject," said the Scarecrow. "But I've been readingabout the creation of mortals. There are lots of books on the subject,and sometimes the books contradict one another. Some talk about the slowevolution of tiny simple organisms into large complex organisms. Whileothers talk of the instantaneous creation of complex organisms, forexample, Adam and Eve -- who were, supposedly, the very first mortals.It's all very complicated.
"Well," said the Tin Woodman. "You don't have to accept everything youread; you have to form your own opinion. That's why you've got a brain.Books are just people's ideas, No one can really prove anything. Evenscientists differ in their analysis of the same evidence.
"That's correct," said the Scarecrow. "Ever since I got my brain, I'vebeen thinking a lot. And some of the things I've read, I agree with, andsome I don't agree with. I know some people who have read only one bookin which the creation of mortals is explained, and they say that versionis true because the people who wrote it were inspired by the Great Wizard."
"I haven't thought a lot about it," said Dorothy. "But I think peopleshould read all the books written on a given subject before drawing aconclusion. Even if they didn't accept everything they read, they wouldat least be stimulated by the many ideas put forth. I've heard thatpeople who have a long established belief about something will oftenrefuse to study all the available literature on the subject, but willclose their minds off completely. They have made their minds up as tothe truth of the matter, and don't want to hear another word on thesubject."
"Truth is where you find it," said the Tin Woodman.
"What does that mean?" said the Scarecrow.
"Isn't that the point of the whole thing?" said Dorothy. "Since no onereally knows for sure what is totally true or not true, we owe it toourselves not to be satisfied with what is told to us, but to questionand to search for ourselves. In other words, continue the search fortruth all of our lives with an open mind."
"But, as Scarecrow said, it is confusing to read all those differentideas about things?" said the Lion.
"It can be," said the Tin Woodman. "But whatever we read, we must learnto discern deep within ourselves what is true and what is not true, andthen to ask the Great Wizard's guidance for the ultimate answers. Afterall; if he knows all Truth, he is going to guide us to it if we ask him.But he won't force it on us."
"How do we know if he can hear us, or even that he exists if no one hasseen him?" the Lion said.
"Well," interceded the Tin Woodman, "from all that I've read, peoplethroughout history have heard him speak. But to be able to hear him, wehave to go into a very quiet state within ourselves every day, and learnto communicate with him."
"How do we do that?" asked the Lion, still recalling the traditionaltale of Lurline.
"Well, I've been doing it for some time," said the Tin Woodman, "andalthough I haven't actually heard a voice yet, I often receive answersto my questions in symbolic form, which I am told is the language of thesoul."
"Can you describe it to us?" said the Lion.
"Of course," said the Tin Woodman. "But you know, we have talked herefor a long time. We really must get underway if we are to accomplish ourmission. I'll tell you what happened when we get to Colorland. We'llstay overnight in the Yellow Belt and I'll explain everything."
"Why the Yellow Belt?" asked Dorothy.
"Well, the color vibration of yellow is very conductive to learning. TheWinkies always subconsciously knew this. In fact, when you take a testat school, be sure to wear yellow and you'll do very well on your test."
"Really?" said Dorothy. "I must remember that."
"Now then, everybody up," said the Lion. "Let's be on our way. We cantake the Girrephalumps as far as Octapongland. After that we'll have towalk."
With that, the Girrephalumps sat down so everyone could climb aboard.The leading Girrephalump, who belonged to Dorothy, turned his head toher as she climbed aboard and said, "Forgive me if I don't talk, but Ihave a sore throat. Mind you, none of us care to talk much," hecontinued. "We have such long and delicate throats that we have to takethe utmost care that we don't overdo things."
"That's quite all right," replied Dorothy. "I do hope you feel better soon."
"Oh, I shall. Don't worry," said the Girrephalump. "When I return fromthis trip, I will take a short vacation. I can't take too long or I'llget too far behind with my other work."
"What other work do you do?" asked Dorothy.
"Well," said the Girrephalump, "as I told you before, besides being partof the main transportation system in Oz, we are required to change thestreetlight bulbs when they burn out, and to keep all the upstairswindows clean. If we get too far behind, people can't see out of theirupstairs windows in the daytime; and when they're out at night theycan't see what they're doing, so it's important work that we do."
"It is indeed," said Dorothy. "How long will it be before we get toOctapongland?" she asked.
"Well, I can see it in the distance already," said the Girrephalump."But it's still quite a way off. We'll probably be there by nightfall."
"Have you seen the Octapong before?" said Dorothy.
"Oh, I've seen them all right, answered the Girrephalump, 'course theydon't bother me, since I don't wear shoes."
"You see, the trouble is," he continued "their one shoe gets a lot ofwear and tear, clippity-clopping along all day, and production simplycan't keep up with demand."
"So they have to steal other people's shoes?" interceded Dorothy.
"That's just about it," said the Girrephalump.
"Well I think it's disgusting," the girl said angrily. "Why do peoplehave to go around stealing other people's things? How would they like itif someone stole from them?"
"They probably wouldn't like it at all," said the Girrephalump.
"They should learn the Golden Rule," said Dorothy.
"What's the Golden Rule?" asked the Girrephalump.
"/Do unto others as you would have others do unto you/," she quoted.
"That's a good rule," said the Girrephalump.
"If everyone lived by it, no one would steal anything from anyone," saidDorothy. And no one would hurt anyone either."<
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"That's amazing!" said the Girrephalump.
"What is?" said Dorothy.
"Why, if that one rule were practiced by everyone it would make themortal lands a beautiful place to live as well as to visit."
"It would indeed," said Dorothy. "If every single individual followedthat one simple rule, we could unlock all of our locks and throw all thekeys away."
"And you could melt down all of your guns," said the Girrephalump."Don't mortals understand that?"
"Oh, they understand all right," said Dorothy. "But many just don't wantto live by that rule."
"Perhaps if they were taught these things as children...."
"Some children don't want to live by that rule either," she replied.
"I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to," replied the Girrephalump."Think how happy they would all be -- with each mortal having nothing tofear from another, just treating each other with kindness and respect.Why, it would be heavenly. Don't your people want to be happy?"
"I'm sure everyone wants to be truly happy," said Dorothy. "But it's thenature of some to find a twisted kind of happiness in hurting others.Some even steal from others to get money to buy chemicals for theirmind, for example."
"Now I'm really confused," said the Girrephalump. "Chemicals for theirmind?"
"Yes," said Dorothy, realizing that she had more awareness of theseissues than would be considered strictly proper for a child of her ageand background. "You see," she continued, "if a person is unable to findhappiness within himself, or in his home, school, work or socialenvironment, he may try to buy some synthetic happiness in the form ofcertain chemicals called drugs."
"Good gracious!" was all the Girrephalump could say.
"Yes, it's very sad," said Dorothy. "But the happiness they feel is nottrue, so when the effects of the chemical wear off they feel even worsethan before. Then, in a desperate effort to feel better again, they takeeven more chemicals. Of course, they are doomed to repeat the cycle overand over. This causes great anguish -- not only for themselves -- but fortheir family and friends."
"How frightening!" gasped the Girrephalump.
"Yes, it's an awful, awful thing," said Dorothy. "Now the chemical isthe master. It now directs the person's life. He or she has lostcontrol, and is now a slave to this new master. Not only that, some ofthese chemicals can affect the brain in such a way as to cause theperson to do awful things to other people, or to themselves. At the veryleast their personality becomes distorted: they can have terrible moodswings, and their natural drive and creative ability severelydiminished. Sometimes seizures, or even death can occur."
"Can't anyone stop all this?" said the Girrephalump. "Why do people makethese chemicals and sell them?"
"For money," said Dorothy. "They love money so much, they don't care whogets hurt."
"Thank goodness I don't have to live in your mortal lands," said theGirrephalump.
"Well, it's not all bad," said Dorothy. "There are many kind andwonderful people there -- like Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. It's just the fewthat spoil things for the many."
"It still seems to me that the place to start is with the littlechildren," said the Girrephalump. "If mortals were taught kindness andlove and gentleness and understanding, and all of these things aschildren, the world would be a very happy place when they grew up, andthey could teach their children the same things. Then, by the time theygrew up, all the bad adults would have died off."
"I'm afraid it's not that simple," said Dorothy. "Some parents are fullof hate and resentment, or show contempt for other races or creeds bythe way they talk. This all influences the children."
"Why can't the schools teach the children differently?"
"I'm sure they do their best," said Dorothy, "but they are busy teachingreading, writing and arithmetic."
"Well, I don't see much hope," said the Girrephalump.
"Yes, mortals are sort of locked into their ways of thinking," said Dorothy.
"Perhaps when you get back to Kansas, you could write a book about yourexperiences in Oz," said the Girrephalump. "Then children who read itwill know that there's a place where no one really hurts anyone. Andperhaps they will treat each other a lot better. And when they grow upthey will be loving and kind to one another too, so that your countrywill be as happy a place as Oz."
"That's an excellent idea," said Dorothy, though she knew that she wasfar too young to write a whole book by herself and would have to confidein an adult for help.
"Well, here we are at Octapongland," said the Girrephalump. "My, I'vetalked a lot," he said. "And do you know, my throat isn't sore."
"That's wonderful," replied Dorothy.
"I really enjoyed meeting you, Dorothy," he said. "I've learned a lot. Ihope I'll see you again soon."
Dorothy put her arms around his neck and kissed him. He sat down slowlywhile Dorothy slid down his back to the ground.
"Now everyone stick close together," called out the lion, and walkquickly. The Octapong are very sneaky, so be alert."
*
Chapter Eleven:
Octapongland
*
The entrance to Octapongland was a huge archway. An inscription over thetop read, "/Beware all ye who enter the land of the Octapong/." As theypassed under the archway, they became aware of a group of Octapongchildren playing in the distance. As they approached, the Octapongstopped their activity and turned to stare. Dorothy tried not to look atthem, although at the same time she was very curious. They werecertainly strange creatures, with their eight legs and only one shoe. Asthey returned to their play, one could hear that shoe goingclippity-clop, clippity-clop.
Suddenly, Dorothy became aware of several adult Octapong gathering oneach side of them as they walked. The Tin Woodman said, "Perhaps weshould walk a little faster." As they did, the Octapong walked faster,too. And each foot with the shoe came down in unison to make a deafeningcrash on the ground. As Dorothy's group walked faster and faster, so didthe Octapong, until everyone was running like the wind.
Suddenly they all came to a screeching halt as a huge brick wall loomedup in front of them. The brick wall stretched for miles right acrossOctapongland. There was no way anyone could escape.
"SO!" roared one of the Octapong. He appeared to be their leader."Thought you could get away, eh? No one escapes the Octapong. You see,my dears, with the help of our trapping wall here, and our little systemof running you into it, we are guaranteed a fresh supply of shoes everytime anyone crosses our land. Now, off with your shoes," he shouted.
"You're just a bunch of thieves!" said Dorothy angrily.
"We're /not/ thieves," said the leader of the Octapong." Are we, Boys?"
"NO!" they all called out together.
"There," said their leader. "You see?"
"Well what do you call it?" said Dorothy. "Taking people's propertywithout their consent?"
"Let's call it a toll for the use of our land."
"You don't have any signs posted," said Dorothy. "So that makes itstealing."
"I'm beginning to lose my patience with you, little girl," said theleader. "Now give me your shoes. You, too," he said to the Scarecrow.
"Now look here," said the Lion. "Stop pushing my friends around. Who doyou think you are?"
"Who are you?" asked the Octapong leader.
"I'm King of the Beasts," said the Lion defiantly.
"Well I'm King of the Octapong," said the leader.
"Is that so?" said the Lion, gearing up for a fight.
"Yes, that's so," said the Octapong.
"Well," said the Lion.
"Well what?" said the Octapong.
"Nothing," snarled the Lion. "Just well."
"What's the use of a well without a bucket?" said the Octapong.
"What?" said the Lion.
"I said, what's the use of a well without a bucket?" he shouted.
"A well without a -- ho-ha bucket ... a ho-ho bucket," roared the Lionwith laughter. "That's very funny!"
"Do yo
u think so?" said the Octapong.
"Yes, I do," said the Lion.
"Well thank you," said the Octapong appreciatively. "You know, we'vebeen a little hasty; you seem like nice people, and we have a very goodstock of shoes on hand right now. We'll let you go this time."
"Why thank you," said the Lion. "You're very kind."
"Don't mention it," said the Octapong. And with that, he walked over tothe wall and said "You may go through." Everyone looked at each otherwith a puzzled expression.
"But there's no door," said Dorothy.
"Not necessary," responded the Octapong.
"Well, how do we go through?" said the Lion.
"You just walk through," said the Octapong.
They all stood there looking more puzzled than ever.
"Like this," said the Octapong as he walked into the wall and disappeared.
"Did you see that?" said the Tin Woodman.
Just then, the Octapong returned to view, having walked back through thewall again.
"How did you do that?" asked the Lion.
"Why, it's easy," replied the Octapong. "This wall is made with specialbricks. You see, all matter is made of atoms, which are tiny particlesof electricity. There are very large spaces between these atoms eventhough the material appears solid. We have magnetized the atoms in thesebricks in such a way that they push away the atoms of any other materialthat comes in contact with them. So when the atoms of your body comeclose to the atoms in the bricks, they just step aside so to speak andslide through the empty spaces. It's quite simple, really. And it worksvery well. So well, in fact, that not one person has ever tried to walkthrough that wall. They all believe the wall to be solid -- so for them,it is."
"Why that's incredible," said Dorothy.
"Now be off with you," said the Octapong. "Before we change our minds."
Dorothy gingerly touched her shoe against the wall and, sure enough, thetoe of her shoe disappeared into the wall. With that, they all walkedinto the wall and disappeared. As they reappeared on the other side ofthe wall, Dorothy remarked on the strange sensation. "Aunt Em will neverbelieve this!" She would be repeating these words many times during herjourney through Oz.
The border of Octapongland was just a short distance away, and they allbreathed a sigh of relief when they reached it. After they crossed theborder, they all sat down to discuss the situation.
"That was quite an experience," declared the Tin Woodman.
"Indeed it was," answered the Scarecrow. "The Lion was the one who savedus."
"He certainly did," replied Dorothy. "And we're all very proud of you,"she said, turning to the Lion.
"Well, quite truthfully," said the Lion, "I didn't feel all that braveinside."
"But you had the courage to defend us," said the Tin Woodman. "Andthat's the important thing. Besides, you got us out of the situation,didn't you?"
"I hope we don't have to return this way," replied the Lion. "I don'tthink I could pull it off again."
"Let's look at the map," said Dorothy. The Tin Woodman opened the littledoor in his side, pulled out the map, and spread it out on the ground.
"Let's see," said the girl. "We're here," she added, pointing her fingerto the border between Octapongland and Colorland. "Why don't we stayhere overnight," she said, "and get an early start in the morning?"
"That's fine with me," yawned the Lion.
Dorothy walked down to a little stream close by and sat down on itsgrassy bank. Little wildflowers were everywhere, and the crystal-clearwater bubbled with life as it cascaded into a miniature waterfall. Shecupped her hands together, dipped them into the water, and took a long,cool drink. Mmmm, the water tasted so good. As she sat, she studied thelittle flowers, their delicate, tiny petals were in perfect symmetry;each tinted with the colors of the rainbow. The colors were justbreathtaking! So rich, so vibrant, so alive. She noticed a rose in bud,and gently touched it and wished that it would bloom. As she did, littleblue sparks appeared at her fingertips and, ever so slowly, the budunfolded to reveal the most beautiful rose she had ever seen. She layback on the ground, closed her eyes, and listened to the water bubblingand splashing. She concentrated on the delicate fragrances of theflowers, and the sweet smell of the grass. She could hear birds chirpingaway happily in the distance. A beautiful feeling came over her: a peaceshe had never known before. She became one with nature. She knew thatall mankind, all nature, was one as she fell asleep.
Dorothy's Mystical Adventures in Oz Page 9
