The first is that every apparent source of aliveness disappears upon the inspection of it — the ground of aliveness recedes from view. It is natural to want to hold onto that aliveness, to make it last forever, to find its source. It referred back to and was prepared for by the very phenomenon of aliveness that Bert’s classroom introduced me to. The line is the fulfillment of all the aliveness that Bert’s teaching held and promised for us. I don’t believe I ever heard him talk about aliveness, and I don’t associate the thought with any others I know he had.

Source: New York Times December 25, 2017 10:41 UTC