I continue to operate with an amazing sense of clarity in all facets of life:   what needs to be done at work, what needs to be done personally, what needs to be done with the dissertation, what needs to be done intellectually -- all of these things continue to present themselves with crystal clarity, from the small details to the larger concepts.  I've mentioned "the zone" in previous journal entries -- and it's precisely that, but in an intellectual sense.  What a fine place to be! 

It was a neat day at work -- my day started with a sale being finalized as a direct result of the political risk workshop.  Later in the day, a sale was agreed to verbally as a direct result of the demo that Mr. Kellas did (with me just tagging along).  Several support calls came in and got handled.  And of course analysis of countries!  Not a bad day's effort at all. 

The discussion generated on the message boards regarding language and analysis of texts reminded me of Don Lutz and what an impact he's had on my methodological approach to the study of texts, political philosophy, and politics more broadly.  There's no finer methodological text on the subject than his Preface to American Political Theory, which interestingly has its own esoteric message.  I'd like to see him do a lengthier work on textual analysis proper one day.  But back to the original point regarding language -- the importance of context can't be discounted.   One of Don's great influences is that he's helped to show me that Strauss -- if not all Straussians -- utilized context in a very clever manner.  It's a shame that so few people know Don's contributions in this area.  The textual analysis section will reflect some of them, but it's not coming anytime soon I'm afraid.

Copyright (c) 2000, Kevin L. Whited