Research Sickness

In Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values, Phaedrus discusses several metaphors about the challenges to doing quality work, be it hiking mountains or maintaining motorcycle repair shops. I was out on the Ocean -- when I am in a self-analysis mode more than usual --- and noticed the following apt metphaor, for doing research: It is difficult to keep ones eyes focused on the horizon, with so many shifting waves that are close.