Impotent thought finds its compensation in systems. Every systematic attempt to resist systems succumbs under its own weight. Such attempts fail precisely by achieving their professed purpose. Impotence changes form, but it still moves in a circle. Systems can be defeated only by cunning: they must be embraced trustingly. All of them. You must fail thoroughly if impotence is not to be compensated again and again, ad infinitum. No effort should be spared to ensure that your thought will attract no disciples. Only fanatical marginalism is entitled to a single consolation: the sprawling world of administration will not be enriched by yet another instrument. And disciples are instruments.

Addendum (January 23, 2015)

Splendid, this. Really splendid. The connection between systems and disciples is almost tangible after thirty-five years. In retrospect, the call to fanatical marginalism is no less than prescient, as well. It is the only escape hatch available to a thinker, to be sure. Letting thoughts meander at will is the only systematic remedy against systems, indeed. Alas, it took me many a year to rediscover the wisdom of my youth, which happened nearly a decade ago when I chanced upon Susan Blackmore (“The Ultimate Rebellion,” October 21, 2006). The connection with Zen, which became close to my heart in my teens, only adds to the excitement. Enough, though. I can already hear disciples scurrying up my trail…