fear of heights, of standing atop a high place without a rail to grasp - gazing into the vastness of space and time with only air at your back

challenge of this life: freedom from fear.

found through circuitous blog-link-following: this review of a book by Shadia Drury called Leo Strauss and the American Right. Notable bits:

What gives Straussian thought its special flavor -- a bitter blend of hypocrisy and cynicism -- is the fact that Strauss himself didnt believe in the eternal truths he championed. He was a nihilist, in other words -- but one who believed only the philosophical elite could be trusted to indulge in such a dangerous vice. In exchange for this privilege, the elite has a special obligation to uphold the noble lies the ignorant masses must live by if society is to survive.

[...]

All this would be just another academic exercise -- so to speak -- if some of the Straussians hadn't turned his philosophical fixations into a political crusade to save America from the horrors of modernity.

what are the most important things for living? people before things of course. but a few things, judiciously chosen. if you could only take 10 things. if you had to fit your life into a car, or a backpack. if you only had 10 minutes before you had to flee your current life forever, keeping one step ahead of the weather. truly cherished objects are relatively few, if you really think about it. "if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me."

contents of purple tricycle are copyright 2005 carrie lynn king unless otherwise noted.