Three Part Story: Part Two

Henry James follows a strict "philosophy of truth" as he calls it. He proudly announces wherever he goes that he has never told a lie - that it is better to tell the truth at any cost. Henry James likes to tell everyone he meets that he was named after the famous author. He believes himself to be a connoisseur of knowledge and from a heritage of nobility. He was not just named after Henry James - he is related to him, or at least that is what he tells everyone. While he does not have any direct proof that he is related to Henry James - he does not have any proof to the contrary and he feels fairly reasonable in asserting this claim. The proof is in his demeanor and wit, which he claims are naturally on par with that of the famous author - that and his appearance is vaguely similar to Henry James. And so, he can truthfully say he is of relation to him.

In Henry's imagination he is a world traveler - a patron of the world. He has visited Italy, Greece, England, and France in his mind and so he freely shares his worldly experiences with all - tidbits of knowledge he picked up from each country and fragments of the languages. When it is brought to his attention that he has never physically visited any of these locations - in fact, he has never ventured outside of the United States he simply replies that it is insignificant. To him, his visits have been as real as any physical realm and thus equivalent in experience and insight. Thus, the philosophy of truth remains intact.

Henry also fancies himself a wine connoisseur. He has had his fair share of Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot - the grocery store always has an ample supply, and so he openly provides his opinion on the best wines - the right taste, "you must always smell the cork" he says, "when there is one available." Certainly the quantity of wine he consumes allows him to speak with such authority.

Once he has parted his knowledge on the unsuspecting recipients he proclaims, "indeed - telling the truth at all times is done with ease, you would be wise to take heed of my example." And with that he nods and takes his leave. Tomorrow he will return and share his experience as a doctor - he has read quite a few medical texts in his day and it is such a noble, romantic profession.