By Andrew Soboeiro

Staff Writer

John Perry, professor emeritus of philosophy at Stanford University, will visit The Country Bookshop at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, to promote his new book, "The Art of Procrastination: A Guide to Effective Dawdling, Lollygagging and Postponing."

The book explores procrastination from a philosophical perspective, explaining its many benefits.

"The basic idea is that most procrastinators are what I call 'structured procrastinators,'" says Perry. "We aren't all that bad: We get a lot done as a way of not doing something else. My book isn't about how to not be a procrastinator, but how to be one that manages to get a lot done, and doesn't overly annoy other people."

This is part of a wider effort to expose ordinary Americans to philosophy.

"I think many people are natural philosophers who have never read much philosophy or heard it discussed," says Perry. "It isn't a hugely popular major, so even those who go to college may not get into it."

Besides the book and his teaching career, Perry spreads philosophy through his radio show, "Philosophy Talk." An intellectual equivalent of "Car Talk," the show addresses some of the most contentious issues in modern society, including abortion, humanism, climate change, the existence of God and gut feelings.

"There is a certain percentage of people who are drawn to philosophy," he says, "just as there are those who are drawn to fiction, history, jazz, classical music and the other things available on public radio. So I thought philosophy should be represented. I hear anecdotes about 'Philosophy Talk' that suggest it can have quite an impact on some people. I feel good about that."

If "The Art of Procrastinating" is popular in Moore County, it may spark an interest in Perry's work and in philosophy in general. Many residents who already study philosophy welcome this possibility.

"Philosophy is very important," says Evelyn Freeman, a French teacher at Pinecrest High School. "It should be taught to help people think in an abstract way. ... I don't think the world can exist without philosophy."

Pinehurst resident Wade Doorey agrees.

"Philosophy is about becoming an individual and finding yourself," he says. "It has really given me the mental tool to deconstruct arguments in a reasonable and logical way starting with the foundation."

For more information, visit www.thecountrybookshop.biz or call (910) 692-3211.

Contact Andrew Soboeiro at andrew@thepilot.com.