I’ve been thinking about all the time and energy I’ve been putting into renovating my wardrobe lately.
And I have to ask myself: why am I doing this?
Why do I care how I look, when this time and money could be spent helping people for whom personal style is not an issue because they do not even own enough clothes to stay warm.
Why do I care what I wear, when I believe that it’s what is on the inside that counts? Our passions and intentions and qualities and souls.
Why do I care what’s in my closet, when human life is dooming itself via climate change with consumption and greed? Why is my wardrobe even worth the finite resources it takes to pick up those preloved things from the shop?
I’d love for you guys to ponder this stuff in the comments.
Can you be smart, informed about world issues, and still think your personal style is pretty damn important?
Is being style-conscious reserved for people who care about themselves above others?
What’s your first opinion of someone who has great style, and who spends a lot of time and energy and money to look that good?
Is style and good design just as important as function?
Please pass on this link if you’re on Twitter or Facebook – I would love to read diverse points of view on this.
When I think about the future I want to see for the world, a bright green future with sustainable living for *everyone* worldwide, not just inner-city trendies… I don’t see us wearing shapeless hemp sacks. I like your approach of reusing materials we’ve already produced; I think we need to end fast-fashion and replace it with a more sustainable attitude to the things we wear. But that doesn’t exclude looking nice. We have to wear *something* after all, and we’re not going to improve the fashion industry by ignoring it.
Hmm. This is turning into an essay. I might do a blog post about this and link it to here.
JulieG’s last blog ..Fresh green links
I sometimes wonder about reusing the way that I do.
I think it’s the best thing to do in the current climate, but when I think about the ‘ideal’ world, we wouldn’t consume so much stuff so often, so there wouldn’t be so much to donate and recycle (and therefore for people like me to pick up and reuse). We’d hang onto it or recycle it ourselves.
But I like your description of the future. It acknowledges that we ARE in a culture that cares about looking good, and that’s not going to go away just because people think it’d solve some problems. It just needs to evolve in a way that’s environmentally friendly.
I don’t really think it’s about fashion being important – or dressing this way or that so people will think better of us. Afterall, as you said, it is what’s inside that counts. But, people who put thought into how they dress/look on the outside might be that way because it’s something of a hobby. I will sometimes dress up and put on makeup and not even have anywhere to go or people to see. How is that different from spending an abundance of money to do something else you enjoy that isn’t necessarily benefiting someone else who could use help? Even going on a vacation could be considered just as selfish as some people make fashion out to be.
Jennifer’s last blog ..Sew & Tell!
Yeah, I think fashion has this image of being kind of frivolous and narcissistic and that influences our opinions of it.
I agree that there are other hobbies that are similar in that they’re doing something for yourself, but don’t have that same stigma.
That’s something interesting to think about: media and cultural influence on the perception of fashion.
This might all sound a little pathetic but Im going to tell you anyway!
I am a single mum to a one year old son and while i was in a relationship with his father for nearly 3 yrs it was nasty, abusive and not at all healthy. I lost my sense of self completely. MY ex (lets call him MrX) would tell me what I can and cant wear, put me down at everychance he got and the list goes on. I didnt leave him until I was 7 months pregnant – so as you can imagine the last 16 months have been more busy!! I dont have much time for myself – I am trying to finish a uni degree, work part time and be a full time hands on good-as-i can MUM!
The one part of my day that is for me is getting dressed! I am slowing throwing out the clothes that arre not ME some of which look nice on but dont speak to me or reflect the person I am trying to be.
I think taking care in what you wear is not necessarily vain thing. It can be empowering and I know personally it helps me leave the house feeling good about who I am inside and out and if I feel good I treat people around me better.
Other than the five min (thats all im allowed) picking my outfit and brushing my hair I dont have anytime to think about myself! And I have thought hard about all of this because even before I was with MrX I didnt really get into “style” and I wore what was comfy or what my friends said looked good but now I think about it alot and I love sewing and tweaking things just so i know they are one of a kind!
I think I am using my style and clothes (and hair a little too – I cut it crazy short and i love it) to take the first steps to rediscover myself!! I am so happy with me and I am working had on the inside but working on the outside feels nice too!
Thats my take on it anyway. . .
Cheers
Eleanor’s last blog ..Where did that week go?
Thanks for sharing your story, Eleanor.
Your point about empowerment is a really good one. I really agree that for most women looking nice is also about feeling confident and at ease with yourself.
I read a quote recently by Prada that said people ask him how to look nice and what to wear, and his answer is always that “you have to learn!” So it follows that to feel confident and at ease with yourself – to find your personal style – you have to invest time into it.
And everyone is entitled to invest time into themselves in the way that makes them feel good. For some people that’s personal style and for others it might be something else. And like I mentioned above, that something else might be similar in terms of ‘selfishness’, but fashion has a stigma.
Thanks Hayley,
I would also like to note that by “throwing out” old clothes i mean dropping off at the local second hand store.
But also your blog – and others I read are enabling and encouraging those of us who do care about what we wear and hoe we look to do so in a environmentally, socially and ethically friendly way! Thus taking out some of the negative aspects so three cheers to YOU!
Eleanor’s last blog ..Where did that week go?
Awh thank you lovely. <3
Aside from the above reason – which is fair enough, really – I’ve never understood how this can be reconciled. And I include myself as a culprit.
If we spent all the time we spend as a society on clothing and appearance on something productive (choose one) and just wore hessian sacks, would we better off as a civilisation? Almost certainly.
Plus it would rid Ed Hardy from this earth.
I notice you didn’t write any reasons, and I think it’s because it is, on some level, unjustifiable.
But, you know, so are most things we do. TV? As much as I love it: music?
At least you do the fashion thing in an ethical way!
That’s a good point about TV and music. We can’t be productive 100% of the time, and we all have our ways of enjoying ourselves. If we as a civilisation can’t enjoy ourselves, what’s the point of being ‘productive’?
I’ve been thinking about your question: If we spent all the time we spend as a society on clothing and appearance on something productive (choose one) and just wore hessian sacks, would we better off as a civilisation?
I’m thinking about our culture, and how important appearance has become within it. At one point in time people all wore the same thing and were (I assume) okay with that. But we evolved. We now have the ability, like no others in history, to design our own fate. Individualisation is a consequence of that, and maybe fashion being important is a consequence of individualisation? If that’s true, we couldn’t ever separate it from our culture.
I tend to think the negative effects of spending time on your appearance come about from greed and sameness and ignorance. So if you exclude those factors from fashion, is it still damaging? Maybe it could actually be good for society?
Because those who are self-actualised, those who are happy – truly happy – with themselves, tend to do more good for people?
In my experience, finding my personal style is part of finding myself. Maybe it’s a crucial part for some people, at least.
(Also I just want to point out that I didn’t include any reasons so as not to influence anyone’s responses, not because I have none.)
For me, clothing is just another way I express myself. Granted, I certainly take it to a more theatrical extreme than others, but I don’t think it’s a shallow or unintelligent activity at all. On the contrary, getting to express my self and mood through the simple act of dressing can be incredibly stimulating!
And, of course, there’s nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself. Without launching into another argument, I think women (especially mothers) have been conditioned to believe that it’s selfish to enjoy themselves or indulge in things that gives them glee, such as wearing clothes that make them feel super-hot and confident on a daily basis.
–xo.
–xo.
R.’s last blog ..On Bloggers And Birthday Cake.
Hmmm interesting debate Hayley. I agree with a lot that’s been written here. Yes, for me it’s about self-expression, playfulness & fun. I don’t think it’s selfish, vain or self-absorbed at all.
I don’t think it’s right to judge people who make an effort to look good/express themselves. Look at Eleanor’s story- kudos to you Eleanor! xo. I take about 10 mins a day but sometimes people comment in a way that lets me know they think it takes longer.
Style is different from fashion. Style is about the essence of you and communicating that in an individual way.
Buying more mindfully; making ethical choices, DIY-ing and customising are the ways in which I’m trying to be conscious about this topic.
Nats’s last blog ..Centre: an incredibly wise and bodacious place!
Thanks for the kind words Nat. I honestly think it takes me less time and effort getting dressed in the morning now than ever – because I am aware of what looks good and feels good on me!
I challenge anyone to be able to deny how good it feels when someone comments on the effort you have taken.
And your last paragraph sums up my take on too! Humans will always want to look good – so less just be better at doing that!
Eleanor’s last blog ..Where did that week go?
Ahh, the guilt.
I’m starting to prefer to think of guilt like a friendly reminder telling me ‘so this means that you’re a good person because you care about the effects of what you’re doing. So carry on & trust that you are.’
Hmm – I have always been an answer each question as they come kind of girl and this is something I have been thinking about recently as I try to lead a more…minimalist/less materialist based lifestyle. Excuse the length of this comment.
;
Can you be smart, informed about world issues, and still think your personal style is pretty damn important?
I think so. What is the best is if you can combine the two – what is better than a stylish, intelligent person? Woohoo. Seriously, though – being informed about world issues and the like is surely what leads some of us towards our personal style i.e. going for ethical clothing choices – exploring alternatives and so on.
Is being style-conscious reserved for people who care about themselves above others?
Hm. Sometimes, I think so. I mean – when I read fashion mags/blogs – which I do less and less – it is a lot about the importance of STUFF and money and being hotter and more “on trend” than others, which I hate. An expensive bag/shoe whatever does not a good person make. However, I don’t think it always applies. It’s kind of an expression of self-love, but self-love to some extent is good because it helps you to then be able to love others too. if you feel uncomfortable in your skin – or your massproduced outfit, then surely, that is more self absorbing in some ways. I also think that some people are just naturally…aesthetic? In that they see beauty in things and need beauty in life. And by beauty, I don’t mean an LV bag or collagen lips, I mean what they see as beautiful – a stack of favourite books, some flowers in a simple vase or a wonderful vintage frock.
What’s your first opinion of someone who has great style, and who spends a lot of time and energy and money to look that good?
Honest? WANKER. Sorry for the language. I think you can look good without spending a lot of money and I think THAT is what style is . If you spend bags of cash and so on – it’s just going to be easier in some ways to look good cos the world is your oyster. However, if you don’t, or you choose not to spend money that way, but can still look great – then that is real style.
Is style and good design just as important as function?
I think good design is important – as it kind of relates to function. If something is really designed well, then it should also be functional. I am not a fan of design just for design’s sake – I think it should also be functional.
Ahh, you brought up so many awesome points!
I completely agree about reading fashion magazines and blogs – when they start talking about trends and ‘hotness’ and such, they just lose me and I find it hard to focus on the creativity of their style. Tuning out the fashion-obsession noise.
I kind of want to find a fashion blog that showcases the owner’s inspiring, creative style on a regular basis AND who really cares about the environment and buys with a conscience. Then I won’t have to tune out the noise.
And I love your point about some people being naturally aesthetic. Would we really want to take that away if we could?
I agree with your comment about function and good design! I HATE wearing anything without pockets! lol
Eleanor’s last blog ..Where did that week go?
I ponder this too. I do actually think that fashion – or as Julie says, ‘fast-fashion’, is indeed selfish, resource-sucking and not really justifiable in the scheme of things. We’re only just kind of getting around to acknowledging the stupidity of our disposable approach to life as a society. I walked around Kmart yesterday looking at rows upon rows of mass-made clothes that will probably never even be bought and worn before being tossed and felt almost physically sick. How did we get here?!
BUT I believe God created humans in his image, and part of that image is also about being creators ourselves! Expressing creativity is NOT wrong or selfish in all circumstances. In every era throughout human history and in the less consumerist cultures around us, people still seek beauty and creative expression. Often that is expressed through clothing. I don’t think that’s wrong. It’s where we destroy other lives and enslave people in order to possess beauty (or cheap imitations thereof) that things get ugly.
I think the way that you are heading, and that I am trying to head, is the right way for us. It’s going to be slow, because we are having to do so whilst trying to ‘deprogram’ ourselves from something we’ve grown up to believe is normal and our right (fast fashion!). So one step at a time – and learning to cherish what you DO own is a fabulously great start.
It might also prepare us for any potential crises wherein we cease to have a choice about our clothes, or our possessions. Our economy could one day completely collapse and see us lining up for bread. And maybe if that ever happens, we’ll be able to don the hessian sack with more grace and acceptance because of these first steps.
Gina’s last blog ..My creative space… all good things come to an end.
I agree with everything you wrote. So well said.
I started this topic because I was starting to think about whether my quest for personal style is something that needed to be ‘deprogramed’ too. Part of the mess that causes problems in society.
But with the help of everyone who commented in this thread, I’m able see more clearly that there’s a line. The line between fashion as fast, tacky materialism and fashion as personal expression, confidence-building and creativity.
I too have been thinking long thse lines Hayley, questioning whether I am just totally self absorbed to think about clothing, spending time making my own clothes, but I think that it is better to be a concious consumer who is shunning the mainstream fast fashion and throwaway culture and to make your purchases count by using second hand goods. Itry to give to charity and to use charity shops where I know the money is going to a worthwhile cause and not being spent on admin! Hope this doesn’t sound too pious. Additionally when my dad passed away about 18 months ago after a long debilitating illness – that whole experience has made me look at life slightly differently and appreciate the here and now, trying to live more fully and for me personally I have a deep love of textiles and am fascinated by clothing, so this is a fulfilling part of my life. I agree with a previous commentator that as women we are somewhat conditioned to think of others first and to feel we shouldn’t think too much of ourselves. I am pretty low maintanence really but still like to look nice – does that make sense? I know that I would not be happy if I gave up on my appearance totally.
Minnado’s last blog ..MMM reflection and planning
I’m the same – I like to think about my style, but my style is low maintenance. I guess practical is part of my style!
And you’re right, many of us wouldn’t be happy if we didn’t work on our appearance – and like Elyse said, who can we help if we’re not happy?
Ethical consumption is turning out to be the oxymoron of the century.
But strangely, it seems that the “smarter” and more informed I grow, the further I progress with my phd and research, the more volunteer work and activism I am involved with, the more progressively minded I become, the more style-conscious I have also become.
This is partly to do with identity issues, as others have discussed above, taking pride in my appearance and wanting to discover new ways to play with ethical consumer goods. But also because, as an activist and someone who would otherwise be labelled a lefty liberal nightmare, I want to exude professionalism so as to actively counter stereotypes. The majority of designer labels, corporate wear (all second hand, mind you) and makeup I own have only ever been worn to protests and other forms of public outreach. And you know what? I LOVE dressing the part
I’m glad I’m not the only one thinking about this sort of stuff!
Very cool post and some great responses to it.
May I just say this.
We are lucky .. indeed PRIVILEGED to be living in a country where for the most part.. we are full in our bellies, healthy and have good medical care, we have freedom of choice, and many lives that we can choose from for ourselves. We also have CHOICE in what we choose to wear.. and how we choose to “show” ourselves.
I believe that we should NOT feel guilty about wearing pretty things, about taking care of ourselves and making ourselves feel good. What is the point of being lucky enough to have these options.. if we dont embrace them? I also believe that a woman , not matter WHERE she is or from whatever background, has the right to feel good about herself, and our “look”, our image.. the choices that we make for our physical selves can be a huge part of that.
That doesnt mean we cannot try to have the choices that we make legitimate, and ethical. Of course we can.. and every baby step we make down that road is one more step made.
I often think about a documentary I watched about the treatment and prevention of fistula.
These women.. either through childbirth or rape, develop a terrible condition known as Fistula..
“develops when blood supply to the tissues of the vagina and the bladder (and/or rectum) is cut off during prolonged obstructed labor. The tissues die and a hole forms through which urine and/or feces pass uncontrollably. Women who develop fistulas are often abandoned by their husbands, rejected by their communities, and forced to live an isolated existence.”
ad how there are amazing people helping these women regain their lives through surgery and healing…. you can read more about
this here:
http://www.fistulafoundation.org/aboutfistula/
When these women are healed, and the surgery has given them a new life free from pain, and unimaginable sadness…
as they leave the hospital.. they are each given …
a new dress.
that new dress is a symbol of the future that will possible for them now. and they each wear them with pride.
Pride for their renewed sense of self.
So i guess my point is this.
Dont over think it.
Make strong and ethical choices where ever you can.
Use your clothing well.. and appreciate them.
Encourage your children to embrace and relish an ethical and thoughtful approach to clothing, and indeed all areas of their purchasing life: reuse, renew, recycle, buy local, buy cruelty free.
Relish the many areas of your life that are bountiful, and be grateful for them.
and finally…
make your self pretty… however that means for you.
Celebrate the privileges you have… be happy and proud that you have them.. and use them as a symbol of what CAN be.. as we all work together to make that a reality for others.
Peace.
Ngaire
x
ngaire’s last blog ..Reminder 2 : Brisbane Papercraft Convention.. June 12-14th. Selling quickly!
I’ve got to disagree with what Hayley said earlier – I don’t think there ever was a time when “people all wore the same thing and were (I assume) okay with that”.
At no point in history has everyone wore the same thing (unless it was nakedness) – historical fashion is a status thing – the slaves wore rags while the Egyptian Pharoahs wore gold necklaces.
Farther back, the Alpha male took for themselves the thickest fur coat.
Here’s some Neanderthal jewelry!:
http://news.discovery.com/human/neanderthal-human-interbreed-dna.html
Here’s a link for entomology of fashion:
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3425500013.html
Also, as the above post says, we live in a privileged society – I’d say decadent enough that we can care about fashion. In many parts of the world, food is the number priority, and warmth (and coverage of genitalia) are the purposes of clothes. But that doesn’t mean everyone’s wearing the same thing.
In past eras you could always pick a nobleman (or whatever cultural equivalent) by their clothes.
For mine, it’s still a status thing. We may not be pharoahs, but we’re more well off than most.
But I guess it should be noted that I’m probably the only one commenting on a fashion-related blog who knows nothing about fashion…
Wow, neanderthal jewellery. That’s awesome.
I agree with you. What I was trying to say with that was that in the past we haven’t had as much capacity for individualisation.
I remember watching a documentary about status anxiety, which was about how, at other times in history, each person was expected to live with their status. They didn’t have the ability to move higher within their lifetime. And now we have all this capacity that we feel a responsibility to achieve a lot, which can cause unhappiness.
Anyway, I agree that fashion now is still status-based, but I prefer to think of my own as a means of self-expression.
I don’t think you should feel guilty about caring about what you wear. I agree with dan. As soon as people became more self aware and developed the necessary skills and techniques, they have been creating and wearing different clothing, jewellery, etc, in order to distinguish themselves within their own society/culture/religion.
Examples: Clan kilts in Scotland, lip and ear plates of tribes in africa, hand knitted hats of the people who dwell on the islands of lake titicaca in Peru/Bolivia, the orange robe of a Buddist monk.
So I guess what I’m trying to say is this: clothing identifies people, as much as the language you speak, what you eat, what your beliefs are, etc. I think it’s innate that people care what they wear, and how they wear it. People have been caring about their appearance for thousands of years. So don’t fight it. Just keep doing what you are doing: wearing your clothes mindfully!
I love what you wrote about fashion being innate. That’s comforting.
Your examples reminded me that everyone on earth has their way of distinguishing themselves, and that’s about culture and heritage and being different from others. I love that, it’s kind of organic.
Very different to the definition of fashion you get from reading Shop Til You Drop magazine or some such.
OK, this might be controversial, but I reckon fashion relates to sex. Like most animals, those with the most resplendent display will get the mate. I reckon you could probably look at ancient cultures and find a more direct link where people might use flowers or other things to tart themselves up. Us in a consumer society? We buy big brand names to try and get a better mate!
If we shunned fashion, I think we could well end up lonely in life because we may not be able to stand out from the crowd.
Adam @ Sit Down Disco’s last blog ..Is it Really Worth Saving a Dollar?
I came over from Julie’s blog (thanks Julie!)
As with all things, moderation is the key… ‘Greenies’ may scorn the over-made up, dressed up, blinged up ‘mannequins’ in the world, but we all have some level of vanity, which is necessary to maintain hygiene, confidence, and civilisation, really (as others mentioned above)! I guess everyone decides the line they are not willing to cross in the name of fashion…
As with so many seemingly unnecessary & unbalanced things we do in this world, the fashion & cosmetics industries *could* be used to create change, make people aware of the issues, and help others to have a better life… it’s a matter of the ‘eco trends’ becoming the norm, and slowly but surely, the world is coming around. Awareness and education are key… have you watched Blood, Sweat and T-shirts?
I think the best we can do is to stick to our principles, be good role models, and lead by example. I think you can express your views on the state of the world, through what you wear… preloved & op shop clothes, handmade and reconstucted stuff, eco and ethically aware garments. Be proud of looking good and making a difference!
More of my thoughts here for anyone interested:
http://eatatdixiebelles.blogspot.com/2008/06/everyday-eco-fashion.html
dixiebelle’s last blog ..Releasing the shackles…
hi Hayley, these are such good questions.
a little while back i started reading books from the library about picking clothes for my style and finding colours to suit me and i started to feel really guilty. this was just not me and I too thought how can i have the luxury for even thinking about this when other don’t even have clothes. in the end i decided it was a positive because i really believe people should find clothes that suit them (instead of following fashions) as this is a part of building a quality wardrobe that will last a lifetime. on the other hand i also decided not to take it all too seriously because i know this is a luxury, basically i just want to keep my wardeobe as basic as possible, so that i know i’m not over-consuming.
regarding the comment above from adam@sitdowndisco, i agree that we are just animals out to attract a mate. but let’s not forget that ‘fashion’ and ‘style’ and ‘taste’ are inventions of the modern world, which makes it much more complex than that.
Isis’s last blog ..What’s with all the triangles?
I read a heap of library style books, too, and I’m thinking they don’t at all help with the guilt. Because although there’s helpful information, it’s still not written for a eco-conscious person, so they assume you’re happy just buying stuff, or cheap stuff.
Reading the comments here have really helped me work out the guilt, I’m glad you’re not taking it all too seriously. And I’m with you on the wardrobe basicness.
Given that the current mission statement of my website is “The way you think about style can change the world,” I figured I should weigh in here!
First of all, GREAT post and points to bring up. Your candid approach is super appealing. I’ve looked among style blogs for questions such as the ones you ask, mostly in vain. I think we probably see eye to eye on that one, because conscious living and style don’t usually coincide (hence why these questions bubble up in our minds in the first place.)
I like to take it from a slightly different stance, though, and look at style through the lens of conscious thinking. For while I’m not as closely attuned to eco-fashion, I think style is an excellent medium through which to think creatively, introduce innovation, and bring in an individualistic, conscious mindset through which the world can be improved…
Can you be smart, informed about world issues, and still think your personal style is pretty damn important? Absolutely. Fashion as a whole has been dumbed down, and thus most opposition likely comes from the idea that personal style is frivolous. But that’s an extremely limited way of looking at style, which actually has the ability to help you understand yourself and empower others through radical dress and restyling (which I write 90% of the time). If you claims to be smart and informed, but dress unthinkingly, it makes me wonder why your intellectual effort doesn’t extend as far as your own closet and body.
Is being style-conscious reserved for people who care about themselves above others? This gets into very tricky waters for which I’m not sure if a comment is sufficient, but I’ll outline my thoughts anyway. This question implies that “people who care about themselves above others” is a negative form of selfishness, and I will go ahead and answer a resounding no in that case. Philosophically, though, I believe that caring about oneself first and foremost is crucial, and that only through self-empowerment is true empowerment of & compassion for others rendered possible. And this is important, because style consciousness does not belong to groupthink; it is a fervent call to individualistic thought and self-understanding. Which, in turn, inspires others to do the same, and raises consciousness on a universal level. This goes back to the idea that style implies far more than superficiality.
What’s your first opinion of someone who has great style, and who spends a lot of time and energy and money to look that good? I wouldn’t have a first opinion, because it really depends on the person and how authentic they’re being to their own self. If someone is really insecure and spending a lot of resources to look good to compensate, it doesn’t reflect upon them well (and you can usually tell.) On the other hand, if someone is styling themselves with authenticity and the time/energy/money is well-spent (for example- Michelle Obama, who occupies a high-visibility position and will alternate designer pieces with lower end ones), I think that is much more admirable. Personally, though, I don’t believe that one needs to spend a great deal of money to look good. And I’ve yet to delve into this subject completely, but as much as I argue for thoughtful style, I think there is something to be said for knowing one’s style so completely that dressing is at times “effortless.”
Is style and good design just as important as function? My answer is probably pretty evident from the other ones I’ve given, but this question is especially funny since I’m a design student. I think that absolutely the design reigns over function. This is not to say that we should all wear beautiful pieces of cardboard with holes cut out, but that there are countless, countless pieces out there designed specifically to be function, and millions of ways besides to create a functional garment that haven’t yet been explored. But the implication of a piece of clothing has far more potential than mere function, and that must be explored through creative design and visionary concepts.
Phew, long response! I would love to hear what you have to say, though. I’m really quite taken with your blog and the articles that I’ve read so far, and I detect a kindred spirit
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