I have not read The World as Will and Idea but I must suppose that it contends that will unites the world because it deals with purposes and ends, and all the behavior that implies purpose – marriage, movement, calling – requires will and not contemplation.

In turn when the world is completely absurd it’s impossible to want anything.

So this day, talking about Ephesus and Turkey, may have recreated the world for me, which was otherwise growing more than a little pale.

This day, sitting on Euclid at Nefeli drinking a double cappucino and smoking while I ate an omlet.

This day that begins with that side of the street facing the sun.

This day in which the valley between Oakland and Hayward that has always been there and always filled with trees or water, that once slept beneath the ocean, held me and Tom and Isabelle and Rosie and a quantity of glorious air.

Day that ended with Gunter Grass, and Eddi Amsel transformed by snow into Haselhof.

Day that has left me inexcusably happy.