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Australian philosopher, literary critic, legal scholar, and professional writer. Based in Newcastle, NSW. My latest books are THE TYRANNY OF OPINION: CONFORMITY AND THE FUTURE OF LIBERALISM (2019); AT THE DAWN OF A GREAT TRANSITION: THE QUESTION OF RADICAL ENHANCEMENT (2021); and HOW WE BECAME POST-LIBERAL: THE RISE AND FALL OF TOLERATION (2024).

Saturday, April 21, 2007

I'm still a fly


Anyone know that old Gary Larson cartoon where the fly-headed mad scientist is working at his bench, down in his lab? His wife comes to call him for dinner, and is seen complaining, "You're still a fly?"

Well, I did eventually turn human today, but I think I've been a fly for most of it. Apart from stopping to have a shower and get dressed at one point - and some stray food breaks - I've been pretty solidly at the keyboard for the past 15 hours. I've ventured onto various sites to let off steam, but the main result is that I ripped out 10,000 words from the monster I'm working on (only a hundred thousand to go). I also converted I-don't-know-how-many paras of dubious material into a couple of thousand words of good, solid stuff.

Hey, that's a successful effort for one day, but tomorrow I must return to human society. Looking forward to it.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gary Larson rocks. It's funny that, while writing a philospophy essay on Quine, I come to your site to 'blow off steam'* and I read about your excessive work ethic and it puts me to shame! At least we have the same problem, writing too much and cutting down.... still, this essay is only 1200 words, why didn't I finish it hours ago! Stop distracting me!

Stuart

* In my case I think procrastinate is a better word, but I like your phrasing better.

Russell Blackford said...

Hiya, Stuart - thought I'd lost you. Long time, no hear from.

Russell Blackford said...

If it's any consolation, or inspiration, or whatever, I've disposed of 30,000 words over the past two days - major, major cutting and rationalising.

Jenny and I did also find time today to spend the arvo at the home of our buddies, Alison Kennedy and Tony Kuhn, to have a celebratory drink for Tony's birthday. Not much other social life going on just now. Anzac Day has given me a week coming up of almost no teaching, and I intend to take advantage of it. (Unfortunately, though, I do have some assignments to mark.)

Anonymous said...

Been lurking around, haven't really had the time to analyse any of your longer posts, thus haven't been commenting. Am currently studying part time and working a 40 hour week so things are a bit busy. But definitely enjoying life back in Melbourne. :)