An adolescent or an adult who writes poetry or does philosophy has to cultivate innocence to be able to puzzle and muse over the simplest ways we have of saying and seeing things. Sophistication may bring increased knowledge and, perhaps, a refined sensitivity. But it may also encourage a cult of experts, dull sensitivity, and may reward flatulence in thought and language. Every society needs a barefoot Socrates to ask childishly simple (childishly difficult!) questions, to force its members to reexamine what they have been thoughtlessly taking for granted.
-- Gareth Matthews
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