Inspiration

Journal/Book: Can Rev Sociol Anthropol. 1999; 36: 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd lb-615, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8, Canada. Canadian Sociol Anthrop Assn. 217-240.

Abstract: Instead of writing, most sociologists still adhere to an authorial and expressive orthodoxy by writing up, writing out or writing clown. By evoking familiar writerly experiences of the death of the knowing subject and the expressive author, I want to show that the expressive model is only persuasive if we repress what our writing bodies know of inspiration, communion, muses, annunciation, genius, prophecy, angels, ghosts, possession, intuition, passion, rapture and ecstasy. These transformative summonses, experienced daily by writers, are the bases of creativity and sociality. They support Levinas' suggestion that enthusiasm or possession are concealed at the heart of writing and other activities, that ''a delirium more profound than thought'' supports thought.

Note: Article Metcalfe AW, Univ New S Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, AUSTRALIA

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