Author’s Notes

PARADISE ISLAND

A Dreamer’s Guidebook on How to Survive
Paradise and Triumph over Human Nature

This short novel explores the topic of human nature. The story line centers on a whimsical question: “If we really found paradise (whatever our version of paradise might be), could we keep from becoming bored or jaded and, thereby, trump our own human nature?” This book is specially designed to be used as supplementary course material for courses in English literature, philosophy, cultural studies, and social studies (sociology). In addition to being suitable for high school and college courses, this book should be a welcomed companion for home schooling programs.

Based on a reading of this novel, the following questions could serve as key discussion points:

Do you believe that human nature can be defined? If so, what exactly is it?

Are you inclined to see human nature in a mostly postive or a negative light? Explain your stance with examples from your own experiences.

Which of the three life lessons presented in this book do you most relate to? (Note that life lessons are showcased in the shell frames at the end of Part I, Part II, and Part III.)

Which of the following statements do you think ties best with the story: “Happiness is bliss” or “nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

What is meant by the statement “Human nature is greater than human culture”?

What is meant by the statement “Preservation is salvation lest we go insane”?

Why is it difficult for any person to hold onto his or her dreams?