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It is a race to the bottom between Jonas, Tigg and Pecksniff, and I cannot wait to see who loses the most from the Anglo-Bengalee flim-flam. Knowing that Tigg will soon be out of the running makes me keen to see how much worse it will get for his newly-acquired partners. If anyone deserves the worst, it would be the hypocrite for his disdainful treatment of Mark and Martin; even they seem to know how it will wrap up.

This short chapter on Jung's involvement with Nazi politics and the claim that he was indeed an anti-Semite is very similar to the claims against Shakespeare, especially whenever a production of Merchant of Venice sets up. Those who are convinced either of these authors represent the worst attitude "civilized" society ever produced need little proof to their claim, but it's their own Shadow that makes it so.

More from the domestic front with the Pinches, and some love blossoming between John and Ruth, as well as tips on how to make beef-steak pudding without suet. A strange circumstance at the docks brings Tom, Ruth, Tigg, Jonas and Gamp :-/ together – seriously, what is up with this woman, other than her loose grip on the English language? Romeo & Juliet gets alluded to, but another tragedy seems to be on Dickens' mind.

While reading the chapter on Jung greatest contribution to society, his therapeutic school of analysis, a sea-change occurred. The process of individualization helped along by a co-constructivist like Jung makes more sense to me than the traditional view of being on a psychiatrist's couch. How different a sitcom Frasier would have been if it was more about Niles' practice instead of his brother's radio show.

Tom Pinch pulls out of his post-Pecksniff funk with an amazing amount of humility and acumen; I could relate to his words spoken out in the defense of his sister Ruth, especially telling that brass-and-copper fat cat of 19th century London how bankrupt his rights really were. And it seems like Jonas now has a motive for his eventual murder, with Tigg Nadgetting his every waking moment, and profiting off Jonas' greed.

Seems like the way into the complex storyline of Inception has been revealed with this description of Jung's innovative theory about dreams. Dom's theiving work in Japan and the prep work in France is the exposition, entering Robert's dream (and not getting out so easily) is the development, entering Limbo is the peripeteia, and his return to the airport in the United States the final lysis. Good work Nolan!

Martin and Mark's final days in Eden, as well as a wrap-up to their stint in the United States, was rushed and somewhat confused, similar to how most emigrants feel when they get to the point that they make plans to return home; never enough time to do what you want but plenty of time, it seems, for people like Pogram to expound upon a country you are determined to leave. Martin's new-found humility suits him better.

Stevens' brief summary of Jung's psychological types was revealing and proved once again that a deeper investigation will be needed. Of course, there's the temptation to discover my type, but I would not want to "risk my authority" by writing about it on the web. While some debates is raised about simply putting people into one of eight categories, I appreciate Jung's idea that everyone "is an exception to the rule".

The Stage of Life and actualization of Self are a bit more elaborate and upbeat than the famous lines from As You Like It, but the Jungian outlook on why we are and how we continue the progress of the 2,000,000 year old Man matches with much of my understanding of Shakespeare's humanism - of course the playwright dwelt more on imperfect characters as opposed to the psychologist hand at helping actualization.

The emptying of the architect's house first occurs with his sharper-than-a-serpant's-tooth daughter, and later by his hitherto faithful pupil Pinch. Both leave because of Pecksniff's designs on Mary, and in a moment much resembling act one of Richard III, he hoodwinks old Martin and threatens to ruin young Martin unless Mary agrees to be his wife. Another strange coupling happens by the end of chapter 32 at Todger's.

Just a short chapter on archetypes and synchronicity, topics which will need to be explored more fully in future readings, but it is incredible how many connections can be made to so many experiences I have had as a teacher as well as a dedicated movie-goer. How much of Jung did the Nolanes read while writing the script for Inception, and what possible connections do Vygotsky's constructivism have with Jung?

The plot seems to have picked up, after a few chapters of colourful characters chatting about who-knows-what, and the fateful reunion of Jonas and Tigg will set the stage for more drama in the second half of the novel. The Anglo-Bengalee insurance company is exactly the kind of corporation Dickens could disclaim, no doubt a progenitor of Scrooge and Marley's firm. Even Shakespeare gets a less than auspicious mention.

While only familiar with some psychoanalytical concepts coined by Jung before starting to read this book, I am pleased to find these are just the tip of the iceberg for a much more spiritual, individualistic approach to understanding the Self. Even when I consider all the events leading up to finding this book in a shop in Kanazawa, less than a block away from the office where my new life began, synchronicity is key.

After a longish gap between starting this number, with young Martin lost in the New World

Great way to start a thriller, having a brainy millionaire receive a clue to some shady business he cannot figure out. The connection to Charles Darwin and original copies of his discoveries will hopefully be something played out with increasing frequency in this novel, kind of like how he discover a grim aspect of humanity only now playing out in a high-stakes business venture, having an impact as far away as Japan.

The international intrigue of following First Folios from bookshelves and libraries to the auction house or courtroom now takes on the feel of a James Bond novel: conspiracy in Cuba, a mix-up involving the Pope in Vatican City, secret vaults in Japan. More information to be mined on Meisei University, and now the name Mitsuo Nitta to lend allure of lost copies. More, too, about William Johnstoun and his margin notes.

Met the hunting party and very please to hone in on Trey Jansen, Eric's man in Japan, as well as learning about the much bigger book (and perhaps the next Shakespeare book to appear on my reading list): Shakespeare's First Folios: A Descriptive Catalogue. While I agree the historians, editors and book collectors will all benefit from the team's finding, I am hoping this book will prove as inspiring as Collins' B o'W.

More doings with Chuzzlewit & Co. in the Great U-nited States, with freedom coming out of the woodwork. Most telling how the standing up for Freedom is marred by loathing of the Emancipation Act are the Watertoast Sympathizers, who suddenly disband upon reading of Watertoast's true sympathies. Dickens then bogs down Martin, leaving Mark the "lion's" share of moral support for his former master and business partner.

A return to England, where things are already turning and warping in the Pecksniff and Chuzzlewit families. A muddled warning about Jonas, a sudden death followed by an assembly of mercenary mourners, and an awkward proposal to the wrong woman for the sake of an extra thousand-pound dowry are just some of the events related in Dickens' off-handed way. Really curious to see how Mrs Gamp fits into remaining chapters.

What should have been an explosive humbling of the three most-resistant industries towards Wikinomics was really just pointing out the writing on the wall, and mentioning a few innovative new media entrepreneurs who could make sense of these written words. Newspapers and record labels have been found wanting, but film & TV got off easy; perhaps Tapscott & Williams may have show in the works, so not biting any hands.

With what relish Dickens must have had, packing as many cutting, satirical observations of the American people in these two chapters. It seemed like most of his American Notes were condensed into an attack on journalism and snobby republicism, as embodied by the Norris family. Mr. Bevan claims that there is no Juvenal nor Swift to upbraid the country for its faults, and Dickens throws his hat into this ring.

Each of the innovation mentioned in section 4 (education, science and health care) are cunningly interrelated, yet surprisingly slow to catch on to the ways the Internet can help people know more and increase the well-being of many around the planet. The impression left by this section was the potential is there, waiting to be tapped, but all three fields are stuck in 20th century methods based on much older models.

Mark Tapley comes into Martin's life like a breath of fresh air, considering the suffocating means the latter had been reduced to (and the smug airs the young lover retains, despite his situation). Mark's mannerism begin to remind me of chipper Eric Idle - what an episode of Monty Python that would have been to stage certain scenes from this novel! It is really his trip to the States, burdened with a snooty master.

Just as Jonas continues to become menacing in his pursuit of Charity, so much so that the otherwise silly sister Mercy seems clairvoyant in her contempt for him, Martin becomes less heroic with maintaining his personal relationships. He unwittingly alienates Tom by babbling on about Mary, and their happy future with Tom playing organ in some dark corner, it is more Martin's come-uppance when Pecksniff turns him out.

Perhaps the most contentious section of the book as can be read in numerous pans from other Goodreads users, where Tapscott & Williams apply their Wikinomic ways to ecological issues such climate change, energy consumption and automobile addiction. Not sure what these nay-sayers were expecting to find other than an account of environment-minded movers & shakers whose green vision has more to do with nature than US$.

Just when you think the book has started to make sense, you are whisked out to a foggy, indistinct London with Mr. Pecksniff and his daughters, there to meet a bunch of new characters who may (or not) have an impact on the rest of the story: Ruth Pinch? All of this done to show how Old Martin can be deceived by apparent piety, and disowns his younger namesake, without any further urging by the duplicitous architect.

Would have been great to get my hands on this book a few months ago, when I was trying to figure out what a venture capitalist does and how to find one (all this would have helped with an educational technology course I was taking). Turns out an organization called VenCorps were calling out to all innovators & entrepreneurs to prove they got the business sense to succeed. I'm still left wondering what if you don't?

By the third month, a handful of characters and their motivation are beginning to become more clear: Tom Pinch is not such a fool as in earlier chapters - he detects Martin's obstinate love for Mary; Mark Tapley has his "uncommon jolly" circumstance; and finally Jonas Chuzzlewit & his menacing love of gain and over-reaching. The book's introduction hinted at the characters' arcs, but I enjoy wondering on each page.

Interesting switcheroo Dickens pulls off by presenting the eponymous Martin as an old man close to dying one month, and then revealing him as the young adventurer and grandson to the wealthily burdened Martin Sr. One would hope the youth is he who will win the favour, and fortune, of his grandfather, over the crowd of contentious competitors the reader has just met, but why isn't the namesake in grampa's good books?

So far I am following the reboot from Wikinomics, especially the apt comparison to the global changes brought about by Gutenberg's press and the Internet. Looking forward to reading about the recent changes to innovative wealth creation, collaborative learning and how new media are replacing outdated newspaper, music, film & TV industries.