September 2021 – Suspended Reason

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I wonder if anyone’s done a good treatment of “space” or “breathing room” as high-level, abstract patterns or metaphors—in the sense of lacking density/airiness, freedom of movement, reconfigurability. Perhaps starting from the level of physics—gas vs. liquid vs. solid—then moving up to organisms, psychology, sociology. Open spaces and evpsych. Claustrophobia. Start-ups vs. ossified bureaucracy, toeing…… Continue reading 210931

Barry Lyndon, pt 2: The Duel

Last time: It is selection games and debt, all the way down. Nora has been “flinging” herself as an option to “every man” in the area, but none have selected her. Barry owes his uncle a great deal, and his uncle owes the bank a great deal in turn, which puts both into obligation. This…… Continue reading Barry Lyndon, pt 2: The Duel

Aesthetics vs. Microsociology

The problems of perception, assessment, category, association, prestige… What we are coming to call generalized reading.