He who knows others is learned;

he who knows himself is wise.

-Lao-Tsu

Over the next week, I pondered the question of where my life was heading, and I really enjoyed my time with the bookbinder. I wondered if I should sell my dental practice and find a simple job like bookbinding with a lot less stress.

The office was as busy as ever and I worried that my schedule might run over into Wednesday afternoon like it had so often. I put a concerted effort into using my time more efficiently. I was motivated to leave on time for the bookbinder's shop.

Despite my best efforts, my last patient on Wednesday cost me an extra hour as I carefully presented her with the options for treating a lower first molar that had been giving her intermittent trouble for almost a year. Her response was to tell me that she did not want to lose the tooth. I tried to learn how she wanted to proceed. We went back and forth without her telling me more until I bluntly said, "I know what you don't want to do. Please tell me what you want to do!"

She immediately became defensive and told me that I was the doctor and should make a recommendation. I apologized for my frustration and said I would work out the best solution for her. We rescheduled but I thought that she probably would not come back, as my explanations had seemed to only confuse her. What should I have said or done differently to help her? That was a riddle that would have to wait. I was late for my appointment with the bookbinder.

The best parking place in front of Mr. Tautell's shop was open again, a real find in this part of town. Was this a coincidence? As I picked up my dad's book on the seat, I remembered that I had not even glanced at it since our meeting last week. He had wanted me to study the book's condition and discuss it with him. I felt a glimmer of guilt that quickly dissipated, as I was a well-practiced procrastinator and accomplished at rationalization. It was evident what was wrong with it. How much study did it require?

I made a dash for the entrance of the shop as the cold wind blew up my collar, like the last time. The door swung open and a warm rush of air surrounded me.

The bookbinder greeted me with a look of concern on his face. "I was concerned about you. Did something hold you up?"

I detected his genuine concern. "Why no," I replied. "Well yes, I guess I am a little late. The office was really busy but at least I found a place to park."

He tilted his head and looked at me, saying, "You are welcome."

I didn't remember thanking him for anything, but he had already turned, and with a determined gait, he was heading for the chairs. I matched his strides and sat opposite him. He didn't seem irritated with me, although that thought had crossed my mind. His warm smile was evident as he asked, "So, how was your morning at the office?"

I sat back in my chair and explained the trouble I had had with my last patient. He poured us cups of aromatic tea and gave me his full attention. Eventually I concluded, "She was clear that she did not want to lose the tooth but she wasn't able to choose from the treatment options I presented her."

Harris took a small well-worn leather pouch from the shelf behind him. The top of it was gathered and tied with a thin leather cord. He set the small bag on the table and carefully opened it. He selected three coins and set them down with care in front of me. I leaned forward to examine them. "Please don't touch them, but tell me what you observe with your eyes,"