I am not sure how to explain what that "just" is and so I guess I misused Eben's reference to betabilitarian without proper research. I only used two quotations and I kind of like them so sorry that you didn't. Since this paper gives us the ability to hyperlink without adding clutter, I had fun with my multiple metaphors. Everyone should be as pissed as Mr. Kennedy. The boats are a little much, but I do think they are accurate. I want to have a box filled with 1000 different tools for solving a problem and reaching my goal. There I go again... I will work on that metaphor thing next time.

Anyhow, I know that this thing is all over the place, and I eagerly await Eben's feedback so that next time I can write a paper that means something to you Matt. (Note: I do not mean this sarcastically, I want to write something that anyone can read without feeling suffocated, and perhaps even enjoy).

(1) I think the character you are looking for is not from Holmes but H.A. Rey. At any rate, I don't see why you are deferential to my comments, especially being off the mark on betabilitarian. I did not give you what I believe Holmes is talking about and I also did not give you any evidence to suggest that you were off the mark--and I don't see why I'm any better authority than you are (save for the fact that I may have looked up the quote).

I looked up betabilitarian too, I just thought you might have some more intimate understanding of the way Holmes used it. I qualified with "I guess" to indicate that I was being deferential because you seemed so sure in your comment.

(2) Like I said, the subject is fine--I just feel like you are experiencing a problem that I often struggle with: you have these metaphors, quotes, and structures you want to use but in the end they detract from the message. Even if you like them and are eloquent, the rather obvious step in my view is to remove the metaphors and replace it with substance. In the end, the essay seems fractured at the midline, because neither idea fits with the other.

I agree that it is fractured at the midline.

(3) This is not so much a comment on the paper and more on the philosophy: You, the betabilitarian, place rather large amounts of confidence in your bets with the Law School and Eben (and in my comment, for god knows why). My confidence in the law school comes from the fact that I am largely in control of my experience here. I feel very comfortable with the odds when I am betting on myself. My confidence in Eben and his class comes from my experience so far. I have a professor who will give me his time and energy, I am thinking harder than I often do, and I am experiencing way more collaboration with my peers than in any class thus far. My deference towards your comments comes from the fact that (a) you were acting pretty sure of yourself, (b) I was responding quickly and not overly concerned with the merits of your argument since I don't plan on making any changes with this paper in the next couple of days, and (c) you didn't enjoy my work.