I wonder what will happen to the land when they stop planting monocultures in it and rearing hoofed animals on it. Will it rejuvenate itself or continue on its way to becoming desert?

(From The Age)

Neophytical Notes

Philosophical texts seem to require sequels these days.

I note that since I commenced a practical engagement with the German language, my English spelling skills (which, if I do say so myself, have always approached the exemplary) have deteriorated alarmingly. Warum? Many reasons, I suppose. To do with phonetics, and with the dominance of speech over writing in terms of cerebral functioning. (I hasten to add that, drunk as I am, I initially wrote 'dominance' as 'dominants', a perfect example of my point. Oh, charman.)

Yes, disappeared off virtual face of virtual earth again, too much to do, three weeks to Norway. Meanwhile here are a couple of chestnuts from Goethe;
The smallest hair casts its shadow.
Real obscurantism doesn't operate by blocking the spread of what is true, clear and useful, but by circulating and validating what is false.