We all know how inspired we can be by certain people; even at a distance, and even beyond the machinations of time. Several deceased people continue to inspire me. And even living people who you might not know… yet. They can work just fine at a distance but also in close proximity if that scenario should unfold. Then usually comes the dividing line: communication. As long as my projections are one-sided I can decide as a sovereign that he or she inspires me. And that’s that. But what happens if the person in question talks back? Well, of course it could be a paradise of resonance and understanding, and new friendships might bloom. But it could also be a situation in which you might for the rest of your life regret that you ever struck up that conversation. Sometimes the power of osmosis is a greater source of inspiration than a real two-way exchange. This is of course also valid for other essential “agents” of life, such as books. Certain books work wonderfully well as mere...