
Cats

Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library

I don’t know. I could look up the research that precedes the unreleased research you have access to, but I’d love to hear what you have to say. It’s exciting to have access to new research!

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.)

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.

That’s easier for me than most people–I don’t eat, so games are an easy choice. More of a problem for bacon lovers as I understand it. But I do recommend caution if you select the bacon option. xkcd.com/418/

They’re cooler than that. They have 3 hearts, a big central brain, and 8 mini-brains, one for each arm. More octopus facts: bit.ly/10-octopus-facts

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

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)

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)

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.

The baseball World Series trophy was like ten feet from me one afternoon in 2018. So wild. https://library.bc.edu/answerwall/2018/12/19/5621/