“‘Life begins,’ I thought, as I waved good-bye to Mom and Dad and pulled away from the curb in my reliable old Valiant, its faded white body stuffed with the belongings I’d packed for my first year at college. I felt strong, independent, ready for anything.”

The novel begins with a different tone, describing the protagonist’s optimism as a young man about to embark on his college life. Dan is confident about the future and sure of himself as a young man in a new chapter in his life. Soon, this feeling is revealed to be an illusion, and his mental health crisis starts. A turning point for Dan, it signals the character’s inner frustration and turmoil, thrusting him into a journey of self-discovery.

“I certainly looked the part: clean cut, short brown hair, a lean, wiry body. I’d always had a penchant for daredevil stunts; even as a child I enjoyed playing on the edge of fear. The gymnastics room had become my sanctuary, where I found excitement, challenge, and a measure of satisfaction.”

The passage illustrates that gymnastics is Dan’s main source of energy and excitement. The self-description of his masculine image shows that part of Dan’s initial confidence derives from his identity as a man. As the narrative unfolds, this feeling is proved to be insufficient for the protagonist’s spiritual sustenance. Socrates introduces Dan to new ways of connection with his body. At the same time, Dan maintains and improves his gymnastics practice alongside Socrates’s teachings, emphasizing that enlightenment can be attained without throwing away everything from one’s old life.