Cleansing the blogger's mind

I once had a fantasy. I would devote a whole year, perhaps a sabbatical, just to reading and thinking, and would not write anything.  I mean really nothing: no papers, no articles, no op-eds, no contributions to collected volumes. I would turn down all invitations to contribute papers to conferences or books by saying "Thank you. but I am just reading and thinking this year, not writing."  The idea was to force a fundamental correction in the balance of trade between what went in my head and what came out.

I thought this had to make my subsequent writing better. After all, I would have had a long time to think about the literature and develop my ideas, without the pressure of having to spill them out. 

And then there were also the inevitable narcissistic thoughts: Would anyone notice? Would anyone care? Would the world be a worse place as a result?  

Call it an academic's fantasy.

Of course I never came close to fulfilling this fantasy. In fact, starting a blog was a move in exactly the opposite direction. With a blog, you have to write something most days--or at least you feel the pressure to do so. 

It wasn't exactly by design, but perhaps the recent hiatus of activity on this blog was a small-scale acting out of my fantasy. At the very least, I have proved to myself that I can stay away--and not feel terribly guilty about it.

Thanks very much to those readers who urged my speedy return, provided justifications for my absence, or warned of dire consequences if I did not reappear soon. I hope they get a vacation too. 

Comments

[Julian]

Thanks for reappearing, Dani!

I'm about to get my college degree therefore I'm away from the blog and the comments but I'll be back soon too!

Hugs from Argentina!

[gabriel]

Well deserved rest Dani..it seems as if you have a few fans in Argentina..

from Argie

[ben]

Sell Italian bonds. Italian public debt has reached a record high at 1646,7 billion euros.It is worse than 1992 when the country went very near to declare default(insolvency)

[Tord Steiro]

Dani.

Your absence have been very good for the progress of my thesis, but I am still very happy that you are back!

[Melvin]

Thank God. I thought you'd quit for good.

[hari]

If Turkey had won against Germany (EU Footbal Championship'08) and gone to final against Spain - who knows this crazy footbal guy may be concocting kebabs with new ingredients for a barbecue and whatnots.

[Richard H. Serlin]

Dani,

Satisfying your blog readers is far less important than the work you typically do. We have plenty of other interesting things we can read.

[robertdfeinman]

Writing (even if not for public consumption) is a good way to clarify one's own thoughts.

I doubt that an extended period of time just spent reading would end up productive without their being some systemization along the way. This might explain the popularity of diaries.

[JML]

I am teaching at University. Your blog is the only one I consult regularly. But, PLEASE, write only when you have some to say. There is an inflation of papers and documents with very litle thoughts and too much stress and rush. It is suppoused University is the site for wisdom and looking for the truth. Don't post for the gallery. Post your own walk to the knowledge and try to convert tour knowledge in wisdom. And, of course, thank you for share it.

[Derek Headey]

given your work on global institutions, and democracy, I thought you might comment on this week's EConomist and McCain's League of Democracies.

[Caroline]

I know of a well-respected 1 year journalism fellowship that requires just that: reading and thinking. Fellows are not allowed to publish one word during the entire year. They take university courses. They think. They debate. Yes, they're not academics....but they're public intellectuals that influence society.

Universities need to give big thinkers the time and space to think! Glad you took the initiative :)

[ma]

Great blog sir.
If you want to have an active blog which would still allow you to rest your mind, you might want to consider adding a second writer to it. There is certainly another economist somewhere with "unconventional thoughts on economic development and globalization" that could relieve your burden.

[eee_eff]

I thought this had to make my subsequent writing better. After all, I would have had a long time to think about the literature and develop my ideas, without the pressure of having to spill them out.

And then there were also the inevitable narcissistic thoughts: Would anyone notice? Would anyone care? Would the world be a worse place as a result?

Call it an academic's fantasy.

Yes, depriving yourself of 2 way connectivity to your reference environment: a straight recipe for insanity. Of course, that's every academic's fantasy: to be allowed to be insane on your own wavelength.

[acaiberrypills]

good read bookmarked will return to read more posts

[sinem]

thnks

[digital dissertations]

Blogs are good for every one where we get lots of information for any topics nice job keep it up !!!

[life experience degree]

Get an Accredited College Degree In 5 Days without ever stepping foot into a college classroom or even doing coursework.No Need to Take Admission Exams, No Need To Study, Receive a College Degree for What You Already Know! Earn an associate, bachelor's, master's or even a doctorate degree without opening a single book… Even if you struggled or barely made it out of high school. For more details visit us at http://www.instantdegrees.biz/ .

[life experience degree]

Life experience is the most important criterion for awarding degrees for life experience. You can get your dream degrees in any major or subject of your choice. It is the best alternative around to further your unfinished school or college education. Your proven skills in your career and experience of your life are the two main factors that would decide the eligibility. On the basis of evaluation of your professional knowledge and experience, you will be allotted life experience credits. Rests of the things are very easy.

[term papers writing]

Blogs are so interactive where we get lots o informative on any topics nice job keep it up !!

http://www.usatermpapers.com

[mba distance learning]

You want to become a teacher, and as such you must be aware of the fact that to be properly accredited you will need a master’s degree.However, your schedule is such that you do not have the time or the money to get a master’s degree at your local college or university.About Online Master’s Degrees in Education you can visit at http://universitiesonline.biz/.

[thesis writing]

Extremely long but very useful and informative article. How i wish i can do all of that in a short period of time. But for sure doing those will produce results. I will try to spread your words through my blog and link it back to you. Thanks a lot for those tips.

[Buy Essays]

This is inspiring; I am very pleased by this post. Nice info at this post thanks!!! I really like it.

[UK Dissertation]

Hi,
This is really a nice post, you share good piece of information.

[Dissertation Online]

Hi,
really interesting and informative article. Keep posting. Nice work, thanks for such information.

[Essays]

Hi,
This is really great work. Thank you for sharing such a useful piece of information here in the blog.

[Custom Term Papers]

Hi,
Thanks for the post; it has proven to be exactly what I needed. Thanks for sharing your
deep thoughts.

[graduate school essay]

Took me time to read all the comments, but I enjoyed the article.

[buy essay]

Took me time to read all the comments, but I enjoyed the article.

[essay writing]

Took me time to read all the comments, but I enjoyed the article.

[Mike]

"..develop my ideas, without the pressure of having to spill them out." perfectly said Sir Dan! I think the essence of civilization dwells on how we were able to "communicate" and remember that "history" came with the invention of writing. As we write, we continue history! Truly inspiring, thank you.

[Assignments]

Hi,

Nice info at this post thanks!!! I really like it.

[air jordan shoes]

I love air jordan shoes .

[nike shox sale]

Nike Shox|Nike Shox Sale is special for you with a very pretty design

[Ugg london]

Don't waste your time on a man/woman, who isn't willing to waste their time on you.

[chi flat iron]

CHI flat iron by Farouk system. Direct from the manufacturer, this genuine Chi ceramic iron comes with valid, one year warranty!

[chi hair straightener]

CHI flat iron by Farouk system. Direct from the manufacturer, this genuine Chi ceramic iron comes with valid, one year warranty!

[Dare Dorm Class]

This is good info.

[It's Gonna Hurt]

Wow

[rado watches]

Why is everyone just montblanc watches willing to accept power cuts? Don't you think that patek philippe watches having continious power is your right? If people aren't going to demand rado watches 24X7 power, don't expect anything zenith watches to change. The government needs to look at other sources parmigiani watches of power generation. The only solution is more power panerai watches production. Nothing less.
http://www.watchvisa.com/montblanc-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/patek_philippe-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/rado-watches.html
http://www.watchvisa.com/tudor-watches.html

[rolex watches]

People usually say :"Seeing is believing." http://www.tt88times.com
Each attempt has a corresponding gain, in part or obvious, or vague. At least we have the kind of satisfaction After I bought this watch ,in a sense,it means a great deal to me. http://www.fashionhairfu.com

[ghd straighteners]

GHD straighteners was kmown as ghd flat iron, which was authorized online seller provides all kinds of hair straighteners,pink ghd,purple ghd,babyliss. By visiting ghd australia , you will find what you want and made yourself more beautiful.If you miss it ,you miss beauty.Buy a piece of ghd for yourself.Come and join us http://www.ghdoutlet-au.com/ to win the ghd iv styler.

[birkenstock]

Birkenstock was Made in Germany since 1774 . Check out our Birkenstock sandals and Birkenstock shoes including the Birkenstock gizeh,at the lowest regular outlet prices, free shipping and when you put on Birkenstocks. you will feel very comfortable.

[lachou]

I like these articles , democratic countries formulate policies are both team and the interests of the people of power, but the undemocratic countries rarely for the interests of the people, http://www.jerseysky.com it is the sorrow of many democracy, I like the western and northern state policy.
http://www.cheapsaleing.com
http://www.nikeairmaxshoe.ocm

[lv store]

Life experience is the most important criterion for awarding degrees for life experience. You can get your dream degrees in any major or subject of your choice. It is the best alternative around to further your unfinished school or college education. Your proven skills in your career and experience of your life are the two main factors that would decide the eligibility. On the basis of evaluation of your professional knowledge and experience

[jordan shoes]

I am happy to find this post very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I always prefer to read the quality content and this thing I found in you post. Thanks for sharing.

[cheap jordans]

Thanks a lot for sharing. You have done a brilliant job. Your article is truly relevant to my study at this moment, and I am really happy I discovered your website. However, I would like to see more details about this topic. I'm going to keep coming back here.

[jordan shoes]

I’ve seen progression in every post. Your newer posts are simply wonderful compared to your posts in the past. Keep up the good work!

[jordan shoes]

This is a wonderful site. The things mentioned are unanimous and needs to be appreciated by everyone.

[Account Deleted]

raf

Thanks for sharing.

[Account Deleted]

http://www.ghdstyle-au.com/ghds.html
http://www.chihairflatirons.us
http://www.ghdsoutlet.com
http://www.googleghdhair.com

[Account Deleted]

Many places and centers offer business and trade promotions to both buyers and supplier.What about the differences in skill intensities across industries? The job losses in the relatively unskilled-labor intensive battery industry should have little effect on the relatively skilled-labor intensive machinery
sexshop
sexyshop
sexshop online
alongador peniano

[Account Deleted]

This is good site to spent time on .I just stumbled upon your informative blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your very well written blog posts. I will be your frequent visitor, that's for sure.

organic seo service