Biography
To define is to Limit
2nd letter to Christa Assad – August 6, 2002
I was an “interdisciplinarian” and “generalist” who refused to surrender my intellectual curiosity to become a valued ‘specialist’. I was always surprised when my colleagues who had amassed vast inventories of warehoused data had such great trouble attaching value and meaning to that same data. They explained that the interpretive function of the making of meaning was the task of yet another group of academic specialists - the Philosophy Department. The reality was that they lacked the intellectual capacity to attach their specialized knowledge to the context of the whole web of human experience and knowledge.
40th letter to Christa Assad – April 10, 2005
I do not dwell on my age. I ask no edge in any voluntary forgiveness that might reduce standards for my performance. I expect no golfer’s handicap or early start. While I enjoy the generosity of others, I do not seek allowances or compensation for my long life. I do not think I require any affirmative action to comply with those standards of excellence and principle that have always guided my behavior. I do not need generous excuses or special dispensation. I hope to remain as stimulating and provocative as in prior years, the sting of my critique and independent view does not recede with the accumulation of time. I wish only that kindness of others correspond with the offered effort, given my natural limitations, and recognizing that the aging process is an active agent that does not seek my prior approval. I might look fragile but I do not feel fragile. I am not sure what I will do when appearance and condition are in agreement and confirmed. In the meantime, to be taken seriously is a most satisfying pleasure. Old people need to feel dangerous.
