In a discussion of the nature of human existence, Dillard writes about 10 repeating subject each chapter, adding a layer of nuance to each with successive chapters. The prose demonstrates no clear beginning nor goal. Each topic flows into the next, with the sections of each chapter labeled.
Talking about birth, she considers its a miracle. She discusses the various births she has seen, observing the almost unnerving peace which newborns demonstrate. They didn't choose to be born. In fact some are born with awful birth defects through no fault of their own. Seemingly their birth has nothing to do with their own volition or permission, yet they are the most satisfied humans alive.
Several sections discuss weather. In a meditation of the sand, Dillard explains how endlessly beaches change as the waves reshape the sand over time. Clouds make an appearance as they seem to personally fascinate Dillard. She writes about some bizarre ones that have been sighted and recorded for their unusual shapes.
She writes about her time in Israel and China. In China she observed a great deal of the nation's archeological history. She also includes a section on Tielhard de Chardin, a French theologian turned paleontologist. Additionally there is a section devoted to great thinkers whom Dillard admires. She discusses the merits of various rabbis of whom she's had the pleasure to meet, especially in Israel.
In a discussion of evil she ponders the nature of suffering. The wise are often plagued by mental suffering and indescribably intense emotional pain. Why? Dillard explores how evil has been performed throughout history, giving special attention to incidents of genocide.
Finally, Dillard addresses the present. The "now" which she refers to is the zeitgeist. She considers how people in the 21st century exhibit all forms of pathology. Perhaps they are suffering from the removal of their biological lifestyles, conformity to society causing latent fears to escalate in the absence of real danger. Additionally Dillard discusses striking encounters she's had with people which stick in her mind. She's been influenced by all sorts of random encounters all over the world. Each of these people gave Dillard something -- an idea, love, experience, etc.
