Susan Sontag, R.I.P.

Her influence on me was subtle and formidable. Disgard her novels as curiosities; I will pass over her infamous remarks on the 9-11 attacks. Just buy Against Interpreation or Styles of Radical Will.

One task [of the intellecutal], is to promote dialogue, support the right of a multiplicity of voices to be heard, strengthen skepticism about received opinion. This means standing up to those whose idea of education and culture is the imprinting of ideas ("ideals") such as the love of the nation or tribe.