“You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however.“
Years ago, I came across this quote. I was intrigued with the profound philosophy these words exudes and ended up buying a tattered copy of the Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach. Since then, it has been one of my prized possessions.
The book highlights that we live in an ‘illusion’ or mirage. It is figment of our imagination, what we perceive may not be real. Bach meets Donald William Shimoda, during his barnstorming pilot days. He learns that Shimoda can perform miracles and so he is called as ‘Messiah’.
Bach learns under his tutelage and tries to grab the essence of of life and its beauty. He concludes that everyone has their own spiritual pursuit. The journey is different for everyone, though the final destination is same. For some, the journey may be easy and fluid. For some, each step has to be through fire. Each subsconscious mind is seeking the truth and its sheer will-power can move mountains (or walk on water!). Everyone has to take up their challenges to find their own enlightenment and find peace with their inner self.
The book echoes similar philosophy as Paulo Coelho –“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
I fell in love with the quotes in the book. The short story has collection of quotes, through which Shimoda teaches his pupil,Bach. Each of them is inspiring and explains in very few words, that past is our teacher and our actions for the day determines how our tomorrow will shape. also, misuse of the same knowledge is what may lead you to your doom. People often label the wiser one as messiah and build a pedestal even before understanding the core values. As soon as the same person ceases to be, they break the same pedestal and dont thin twoce before realizing the agony.
Few of my favorite quotes from the book:
Richard Bach has summed up his philosophical insights through this tragic story of Donald Shimoda.
Book nerd fact from Wikipedia:
“A number of personal development teachers have cited Illusions as a major influence on their life path, including Dr. Joe Vitale, Bob Doyle, Brad Yates and Mike Dooley”.
Head over to comment section and let us know if you have read the book. Reach me on Facebook or Instagram to share your views. Cheers to Reading!
Ordo Ab Chao 