Is my flagging interest in things intellectual or philosophical, let alone analytical or mathematical, a sign of spiritual maturity or physiological debility? If it is the latter, could it be that my personal path is but an instance of something natural and universal? In other words, is the only, or perhaps the main, path to spiritual maturity via physiological debility in general and mental debility in particular?

Addendum I (November 20, 2013)

There were four stages in a man’s life in traditional India: student, householder, hermit, and wanderer (“Householder, Hermit,” May 7, 2007). Roughly speaking, the first two were secular and the second two spiritual. Liberation from all worldly concerns came along only in the fourth and final stage. This would fit my praise of senility pretty well, I guess. For it can only help on the spiritual path. Anyhow, I was just forty-six when this piece was written. Congratulations, young man! At sixty-seven, I cannot but agree with you. And with much greater conviction based on ever greater experience.

Addendum II (November 5, 2016)

Having been a hermit for years already, as well as an ever more secluded one, I am well aware that I will never have the option to become a wanderer. Traditional India is no more. In today’s world, which is dominated by bureaucracies of all descriptions, such an option is not available any longer. My liberation from all worldly concerns, which I reached earlier this year, is thus circumscribed in many annoying ways: there are many bills to pay month after month, there are all sorts of forms to fill year after year, and there are so many personal documents to renew every few years. Indeed, the only way out of this world for good is physiological debility in general and mental debility in particular. Alas, they are not options for the healthy and the sane. Circumscribed as it is, my liberation is the best I can hope for at present. And the future is far from bright…