IF I AM SO CLEVER… (May 12, 2000)
I often boast that I make as much money as I need to, and more. I often poke fun at the American adage connecting one’s worth and wealth. And yet, I sometimes admit that I would not mind being independently wealthy, as the asinine expression goes, in which case I would gladly quit my professorship and the academic world entire. Instead, I would immerse myself into the world of art. I would write, paint, dabble in art criticism. I would study the prehistory of the human mind to better understand the origins of art. I would explore the Internet as an art medium. So, why am I not rich? That is, why am I not rich enough to do what I wish to do? But, wait a minute! Am I not already doing all the things I wish to be doing? If so, how come I am not clever enough to fully appreciate my wealth? Wait! Am I going in circles here?