deeper and deeper into the void – a black box containing a volume large enough that the little lights from people’s cellphones are useless to define it

What does it mean to think pure quality? It would mean thinking outside quantity. Outside of any quantity and of all processes of quantification. It would not mean to think better. I don't want to puff up thought any more than it already is. And mine not at

Look out of the window and notice the wind. You probably haven't done that because you've been tuned in to the sounds around you. Once you focus on the subtle sound of the wind, you may be surprised to learn that it can stimulate your mind

My thoughts converge on this question because nobody seems to know, least of all those who engage with it professionally—academe has become a club where they congratulate each other on getting in and protest that they should stay. I can say this because I'm not in it.