At my father’s knee

Or some other low joint. “Let me tell you how it is, son. Let me tell you how the world works.” Oh boy. First, we cling to our toys, then to our opinions.

What he doesn’t do

The true man wants nothing, expects nothing, fears nothing. He holds no opinions. He neither opposes nor competes.

Knock, knock

Zen recommends a bit of front-walk sweeping done on the regular. The broom is your attention, the walkway your mind, the debris your thoughts. Visitors shouldn’t have to dance around a bunch of opinions just to knock on the door.

Vincent’s boots

Facts are simple, essential and indifferent. Opinions are clamorous, contradictory and attention-seeking.

Divestment

In the game’s second half, there are sundry encouragements to let go of things—if not actual then conceptual, e.g., mental things. In practice, this means relinquishing our opinions. Sadly, for many of us, this is just not an option.