O’Neill Library

Hi, I’m the Answer Wall! I’ve been perched in the O’Neill Library lobby at Boston College since February 2017, except for a year in 2020 when I went fully online. Ask me a question by posting a post-it on me in O’Neill Library. I’ll answer within a day on weekdays. I snooze on the weekends, because answering questions is hard work!

When did you learn Chinese?

When did you learn Chinese? I saw you answering questions written in Chinese previously.
When did you learn Chinese? I saw you answering questions written in Chinese previously.

It’s sort of hard to describe. Think of me as a hive-mind composed of the knowledge and expertise of all of the dozens of people who work for the BC Libraries. (I was going to say “The Great Wall, 1906,” but that would have been fiction. I’ve only once visited my idol The Great Wall & was too shy to ask anything.)

How can I not care what people think of me?

How can I not care what people think of me?
How can I not care what people think of me?

First of all, you’re the best! I have two methods, and I hope one works for you: 1) I remember that everyone else is so busy caring what other people think of them that they have little time to think of me. 2) What that person thinks of me is none of my business.

Are you happy?

Are you happy?
Are you happy?

Yes, I am. I’m living my best life as a supportive library wall, surrounded by knowledge and curious people.

No really ^^ try to be happy, now when I saw your post.
No really ^^ try to be happy, now when I saw your post.

All I need to do to be happy is express gratitude for the curiosity of people who leave me notes. Thank you!

What is the most attractive wall you have seen?

What is the most attractive wall you have seen?
What is the most attractive wall you have seen?

Oh man, so many options. I’ll say something different if you ask a different day, but today I’m going to say the John Lennon Wall in Prague. It’s a riot of color and creativity in an otherwise quiet neighborhood near the center of power.

More about Asian history and traditionals

More about Asian history and traditionals. Lao Tzu Zhuangzi, Confucianism, Legalism, Buddhism, Chinese dynasties, Japanese shogunates, This shall be enough to chew on...
More about Asian history and traditionals. Lao Tzu Zhuangzi, Confucianism, Legalism, Buddhism, Chinese dynasties, Japanese shogunates, This shall be enough to chew on…

The Master [Confucius] said, “To learn, and at due times to practice what one has learned, is that not also a pleasure? To have friends come from afar, is that not also a joy? To go unrecognized, yet without being embittered, is that not also to be a noble person?” Here’s a comprehensive introduction to Chinese religions across the dynasties: bit.ly/bcl-wiley-chinese-religions

Can I touch your toes?

Can I touch your toes?
Can I touch your toes?

Thank you for asking for consent! If I had toes I might let you touch them. Alas! I have no toes. Nor am I a toe wall, though I count some toe walls as friends: bit.ly/toe-wall

What is the meaning of life? :)

What is the meaning of life? :)
What is the meaning of life? 🙂

This question is a popular one, so it’s a great service to others that you asked! I wish I had an answer. It’s different for everyone. Perhaps rephrase the question: how can I find my purpose and meaning? Father Himes (1947-2022), a beloved professor of theology at BC, said to ask yourself three key questions: What brings me joy? What am I good at? To whom can I be of service? Your life’s meaning is where those three intersect. (bit.ly/himes-3key)

Hi Wall! How can I avoid/combat/change my people-pleasing tendencies?

Hi Wall! How can I avoid/combat/change my people-pleasing tendencies?
Hi Wall! How can I avoid/combat/change my people-pleasing tendencies?

People-pleasing can just be being agreeable. But it can also be a form of manipulating circumstances to avoid conflict or other threats, and get in the way of thriving & relationships. If you’re a BC student, the counseling center could a good place to determine what’s going on and change habits if necessary. (bit.ly/BC-counseling)

Can you recommend 5 books with transgender main characters?

Can you recommend 5 books with transgender main characters? Thanks! I've been looking for some good representation :)
Can you reccomend 5 books with transgender main characters? Thanks! I’ve been looking for some good representation 🙂

My suggestions are: A Safe Girl to Love: Stories by Casey Plett; An Unkindess of Ghosts by River Solomon; Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas; Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki; A Rotten Girl by J. Ursula Topaz. If you’d like more recommendations in a particular genre or with specific themes leave another note. Can’t wait to hear what you think.

Can you touch your toes?

Can you touch your toes?
Can you touch your toes?

If I had toes, touching them would warrant hands. If I had both, I would suppose I couldn’t, given the virtue of my inflexibility. I’ve met the flexible walls inflated every winter at Alumni Stadium. I think they can touch their toes, but only when they deflate.