On the Cosmic Forces of Yin and Yang
(A Jeep Trilogy in Two Parts)
Part One: Self-Awareness
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural hobbies
Etymology: short for hobbyhorse
Date: 1816
: a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation
(Thanks, Merriam-Webster Online!)
As a bonafied Willys enthusiast - a.k.a. WillysNut, - what does your Jeep hobby mean to you? Most of us think of Jeeps as a pleasant way to unwind after a hard day's work splitting atoms (or whatever), I would guess. But, when push comes to shove, do we actually pursue our hobby in this benign manner?
Take a gander at the following photo of a '61 Wagon recently listed for sale on eBay @ $22,950:
Now, answer the following question:
What do I think of this Wagon and/or its owner?
a) A meticulous restoration; the owner should receive a medal!
b) Just plain cool! I wish that I could afford it!
c) A bit pricey. I wonder if the owner would let it go for five grand?
d) Nice, but where's the 44 inch Super Swampers?
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention: The Wagon is powered by a nitrous-injected Suzuki four-banger. So, to be fair, I've added a few more options:
e) This heap is an affrontary to the natural laws of mankind and nature; the owner should be pilloried!
f) Just kill the bastard!
g) God will punish this blaspemy come the owner's judgement day, I reckon!
h) This Wagon endangers my second amendment rights! (this answer is a service to gun enthusiasts)
Kind of self-revealing, eh? Now, if your final answer came from the second group, why is this? Do you see the irony, the opposing forces working within your mind, here? Why should all of these conflicting emotions be running through our minds over what is suposedly a pursuit of relaxation?
The answer, dear Willysnuts(tm), lies here.