I. Thinking
Thinking is hard and it takes work! UNGH. This is the clearest
proof of our shortcomings. Ideally, we would think as easily as
we sneeze or squirm.


II. Reading
Everything we write, once set down, is removed from its rightful
context-- a context we can never (Ánunca! Ánunca jamás! Ájamás
de los jamáses!) transmit to the page. The written sentence
becomes useless: a curious little icon like Minoan statuary,
whose interest, if any, is aesthetic.


III. Writing
But then, the activity of writing is fun. Funny fun fun. As a
purely physical exercise along the lines of sticking one's
finger into a tub of Crisco or loafing all day in tepid water.
So far as happiness is concerned, Musil writes, it matters
very little what one wants. The main thing is that one
should get it.

IV. Grousing
Thus with sights set low, we sally forth.


Index