In a few moments I will go to the campus of Syracuse University where I’m a professor and administrator. I pledge before I leave my home not to confuse the university with my life and lest you misunderstand me, I’m not speaking of freedom—either of thought or deed—for freedom of speech and inquiry are ineluctable and never disposable—but the persistent and easy illusion that Syracuse is “my” university. The ease of identification with a college or university is guaranteed. If you’re at The Ohio State University you want to bleed scarlet and gray; here at Syracuse everyone wears orange. I think these are innocent pastimes until you fall prey to imagining your version of the institution, believing your vision for it is of greater value than the ideas of others. Academics are susceptible to weak super-egos. Some don’t know it. Those who do are often the wisest. Collaboration and rejection both depend on the awareness that your life, the “inner life” does not depend on strict affinity with institutions.
I say this as I ready myself. I admire my colleagues. I like some more than others. I enjoy the give and take of earnest and clear thinking. I take some ideas to heart, leave others aside. I believe I have some valuable things to share. When my ideas are rejected I will walk my life into another forest. I’m not talking about academic freedom. I believe academic freedom is non-negotiable. The recent developments at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana are a disgrace to the principles of free inquiry. I give no ground on that score. Instead I’m recognizing how institutions rise and fall in worlds of trouble or good fortune. In turn you must know your heart and savor the best that you know. Today I will share my best thinking. Tomorrow no one will remember. We are all both larger and smaller than our names.
Planet of the Blind 