The Gentle Philosophy of “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”

Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is more than a book—it is a quiet meditation on life’s most essential truths. Rendered in hand-written prose and delicate ink illustrations, it speaks with childlike simplicity and profound emotional clarity. While it appears to be a children’s story at first glance, it is, in truth, a philosophical parable for readers of all ages. Its philosophy can be summarized through seven core themes, each representing a facet of what it means to live a meaningful, compassionate life.

1. Kindness as a Way of Being
The book begins with kindness and returns to it often, framing it not as a sporadic act, but as a way of living. Every interaction among the characters is grounded in compassion. The Mole constantly offers food and affection, the Horse listens without judgment, the Fox—although scarred—protects with loyalty, and the Boy embodies curiosity and warmth.

“Nothing beats kindness,” said the Horse. “It sits quietly beyond all things.”

This quote underscores the idea that kindness is not flashy or loud—it is subtle, enduring, and foundational. In a world that often prizes competition, success, or speed, Mackesy suggests that gentleness, empathy, and care are radical, sustaining choices.

2. Vulnerability as Strength
One of the book’s most important messages is that it’s okay to not be okay. The characters express their fears, doubts, and longings openly. The Boy often asks questions that reflect uncertainty. The Mole admits to weakness. The Fox, wounded by past trauma, says little but communicates deeply through presence. The Horse, perhaps the wisest of them all, reassures them that vulnerability is not shameful—it is human.

“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the Boy.
“Help,” said the Horse.

Here, Mackesy touches on a philosophy aligned with contemporary emotional intelligence and psychology: that asking for help, showing emotion, and admitting struggle are not failures—they are acts of courage and honesty.

“Asking for help isn’t giving up,” said the horse. “It’s refusing to give up.”

The book invites us to remove the armor we wear and to connect authentically with ourselves and others.

3. The Healing Power of Friendship and Companionship
The relationship between the four characters mirrors the deep human need for belonging and connection. They do not always understand one another perfectly, but they choose to remain together, to walk side by side, and to hold space for each other’s pain and joy. They are a reminder that chosen family—whether human or not—can be as profound as blood ties.

“Sometimes just being with you is all I need.”

This simple line encapsulates a central truth: that love and companionship are less about fixing someone and more about walking with them through life. It’s the essence of true friendship—a presence that says, “I see you, and I will stay.”

4. Embracing the Present Moment
Mackesy’s philosophy often mirrors principles of mindfulness and stoicism—the art of paying attention to the now. The Boy and his companions stop to look at the sky, to admire nature, to share food, and to rest. Their journey is not about a destination—it is about being with one another along the way.

“When the big things feel out of control, focus on what you love right under your nose.”

In this, Mackesy invites us to center our attention not on what is overwhelming or distant, but on what is immediate and life-giving. Whether it’s a sip of tea, the feel of the wind, or the sound of a friend’s voice, the book reminds us that joy can be found in the small and simple.

5. Radical Self-Acceptance and Non-Judgment
Throughout the story, there is no condemnation, no punishment, and no harshness. Each character is accepted as they are, without condition. The Mole’s love of cake is never mocked. The Fox’s silence is not questioned. The Boy’s confusion is not corrected. And the Horse’s hidden wings—only revealed later—are met with awe, not envy or judgment.

“Being kind to yourself is one of the greatest kindnesses,” said the Mole.

This is a philosophy of unconditional positive regard, a term in humanistic psychology that refers to accepting and valuing a person without requiring them to change or meet certain conditions. Mackesy subtly invites readers to extend this same compassion inward, to embrace themselves with the same grace they offer others.

6. Hope, Endurance, and Quiet Bravery
The journey the characters undertake is not without challenges. There are storms, there is doubt, and there is the ever-present question of where they are going. But they keep going—not through bravado, but through small, determined steps.

“Sometimes just getting up and carrying on is brave and magnificent.”

This philosophy is deeply aligned with existential resilience—the idea that courage often looks like ordinary persistence. Not giving up. Getting out of bed. Being gentle when everything feels harsh. Mackesy’s work affirms that we all have hard days, and continuing to show up anyway is a quiet form of heroism.

7. The Profound Beauty of Simplicity
The book’s format—loose sketches, minimal text, a mix of ink and watercolor—mirrors its message. Truth, beauty, and wisdom do not need elaborate packaging. In a world overflowing with noise, information, and complexity, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse offers a breath of quiet clarity.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“Kind,” said the Boy.

This exchange captures the essence of the entire book. In a culture that often measures worth through achievement or wealth, Mackesy gently reframes success as kindness, presence, and connection.

8. The Quiet Power of Walking Your Own Path
We often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others—measuring our worth against someone else’s success, appearance, or achievements. But comparison is a thief of joy, quietly undermining our confidence and blinding us to our own unique path. Each person’s journey is shaped by different experiences, challenges, and timing. Just as flowers bloom in their own season, so too do we. When we stop looking sideways and begin looking inward, we can better appreciate who we are, where we are, and the quiet progress we’re making.

“Don’t compare your life to others. There’s no comparison between the sun and the moon. They shine when it’s their time.”

True peace comes not from being better than others, but from being kinder to ourselves.

9. Gratitude in the Small Things
gently reminds us that gratitude doesn’t always come from grand gestures or major milestones—it often lives in the small, quiet moments we might overlook. Whether it’s sharing a slice of cake, feeling the warmth of a friend beside us, or simply watching the clouds pass overhead, there is beauty in slowing down and noticing. Gratitude, in this world, is not about having everything; it’s about appreciating something. The Mole, in his simple, sincere way, expresses this truth beautifully:

“Is your glass half empty or half full?” asked the mole.
“I think I’m grateful to have a glass,” said the boy.

Recognizing our place in the lives of others and seeing the kindness and love that surrounds us—however subtle—invites a deeper sense of contentment and joy. Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

A Quiet Revolution of the Heart
Charlie Mackesy’s book is, at its core, a soulful act of resistance. It resists cynicism with hope, fear with love, and noise with stillness. It doesn’t preach or moralize—it whispers truths we often forget. Its philosophy is not academic or complex, but intuitive and deeply human: be kind, be honest, stay curious, and walk together.

It reminds us that the most important lessons are not new—they are old truths we need to remember again and again.

JPS Nagi
May 29, 2025

Marvel’s Secret Wars (2015)

MarvelSecretWars[1]Earlier this year, I got to relive my childhood through my daughter. She got interested in comics.

In 2015, Marvel decided to end their comic book world through Secret Wars. Just like past Secret Wars, the 2015 Marvel’s Secret Wars is also a huge event. During this event, many series will be brought to the end and the genesis of new Marvel Comic Book Universe will take place as a result of that.

We have been getting comics on a weekly basis, but we found that it is a bit difficult to follow without a good reading order. There are websites that do provide reading order, with lot of details about plotlines, ratings and how well does it fit in the timeline. Sometimes … you just want a list. So I decided to make one for ourselves. I spent many hours making this list, and decided this may be useful for others who are in the same boat as us.

I addition to the reading order, I also wanted to know,
– Event within the Secret Wars (for example Main, Last Days, Battle World or Warzones).
– On going comic book series along with the number (for example, The Punisher # 019).

So I created a way to organize name of each entry in the list.Naming

Then I created color coding, so that it is easy for me to quickly pick up the event; this will be particularly useful if I wish to read only the Main Event, or say only the Battleworld.

Click here to get a printable check list and reading order.
This list includes releases up to September 19, 2015. Come back for updated list every week.

The Other Tolkien…

We all know the JRR Tolkien as an author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Many, including me, never knew that Hilary Arthur Reuel Tolkien, JRR’s younger brother, as an author. At least, he was when he was young.

In 2008, a small 88 page book was released titled Black and White Ogre country: Lost Tales of Hilary Tolkien. This book is edited by Angela Gardner and Illustrated by Jef Murray. Hilary’s grandchild discovered an old tattered notebook with some stories and it was quickly determined that it is a good idea to get them published.

The tales are flights of fancy put together by the Hilary, inspired by adventures brothers had as young boys. There are stories about black ogres, white ogres, black witches, white witches and many other curious folks, likely based on many of the people the brothers encountered. It is also an introductory journey into the minds of the young boys, one of whom was going to develop a world that we now know as Middle Earth.

Like Ronald, Hilary shows in interest in the all things natural. With time, the stories depict the changes in the countryside around them. There are reminiscences of something that may have influenced the tales of Middle Earth many years later. This is a small book that includes introduction to the notebook, the stories (edited and illustrated), and a brief biography of Hilary Tolkien.

This book also had a mention in Humphrey Carpenter’s Biography on JRR Tolkien.

After their mother died, John (10) and Hilary (8) were under the legal guardianship of the church priest who arranged for their Aunt to take the kids in. The arrangement fell out, and as the time passed, kids grew up moving from home to home. Hilary joined his uncle’s business and later British Army during World War I. After the war, Hilary got a home in Blackminster, near Evesham, maintained a Plum Orchard, married and had family. His house also became one of the venues for family get reunions. He kept in touch with his relatives, as well as his brother during their lifetime.

Hilary kept his creativity alive, with paintings and drawings. Some of them he used on the cards he used to send his relatives. He died in 1976.

I recently acquired a copy of this not so easily available book. The copy I got is the first edition and is signed by the editor – Angela Gardner and the illustrator – Jef Murray. Jef  has also made a small windmill doodle as a part of his signature.

Here are few more photos of the book.


Signature on the inside cover


Jef Murray’s Windmill Doodle in Pencil


Notebook of Hilary Tolkien


Returning Home by Jef Murray on the back cover of the book.

JPS Nagi
July 2011