An exercise of the judgment
We return here once more, then, to the principle of the essai: whatever the eye rests upon becomes, by reflex action, the opportunity for an exercise of the judgement. (Terence Cave, How to Read Montaigne)
Over the years I've cultivated this reflex action, maybe to an extreme. Though I think "judgement" here doesn't mean being judgmental, to pass judgment, but rather to assess, to discern. After that I may have an opinion, but one I hold lightly and keep to myself. I try not to dismiss, not to embrace, merely make a note.
This served me well when I was blogging actively. I could generally come up with something to write about just by looking around. And I could actively avoid the usual, things that had been essayed to death, coming up with a neglected topic or an uncommon take on a common one. It always left something to write about, as well as a space where I didn't have to work too hard to say something not often heard.
What has changed recently is the blogging, the writing. My eye still wanders, rests, judges. But I'm less inclined to write about it. I've written plenty, and the effect on others has been minimal. At least compared to the effect on me, which was immense.
And now that the habit is deeply ingrained, I can get 90% of the benefit without the work of writing. I may write again if I find other reasons. But I'm happy now with my ability to discern.
Previous |