boars and fury

We need to test radically different things. We don’t know what works. Destroy all assumptions. We need to find what works and keep iterating — keep learning.

— Behind the scenes: A/B testing part 3: Finalé - (37signals)

Destiny can be directed… one does not need to remain in bondage to the first wax imprint made on childhood sensibilities.

— Anaïs Nin

The bluesman makes an assertion, then revises it, restating it. The repetition is no righter than the originary line, but he’s moving on. Perhaps the accumulation of variations will be right. Maybe that tongueless guitar will talk it for him. He clenches his teeth, plays, listens.

The Gospel Singer’s bending the word “Lord” in her mouth. And in Lord there’s the “o” of ode and moan. She pushes it up, but it bats against the ridged ceiling of her palate. She pulls it down but it gutters out in her belly. It takes her no closer to Heaven than her body has ever let her go. Even so: lord lord lord.

— Douglas Kearney

‘Today I wrote nothing’

Perfect for a day beginning with returning to 750words.com:

April 11, 1937

“Enough of laziness and doing nothing! Open this notebook every day and write down half a page at the very least. If you have nothing to write down, then at least, following Gogol’s advice, write down that today there’s nothing to write. Always write with attention and look on writing as a holiday.”

— Daniil Kharms, “Today I Wrote Nothing: Selected Writings”

(Source: thenewinquiry)

by Ian Boal