Quinn, D. (1992). Ishmael: An adventure of the mind and spirit. New York: Bantam Books.
Question 1: What is the story of the flying machine supposed to illustrate? Why do Ishmael
and the student believe that after the “crash” it is likely the survivors would just go back and
build another craft that would not fly? What point are they trying to make?
Question 2: Explain the two sides of the poster Ishmael kept with him: With Man Gone, Will
There Be Hope for Gorilla? With Gorilla Gone, Will There Be Hope for Man? How does this
relate to the student’s relationship to his teacher, Ishmael?
Question 3: Which of the paradigms from Smith’s book aligns with you best and why? Did
you start this book with a firm understanding of your paradigm? Did your paradigm change? If
so, how? If not, how was your current paradigm strengthened?
Question 4: If Daniel Quinn were to update this book, what is a real world example of an
environmental issue he could include? Explain how this example links to at least one idea
Ishmael and the student discussed, and support your answer with at least one current event