“The most important thing in life is style.
That is, the style of one’s existence,
— the characteristic mode of one’s actions —
Is basically, ultimately
What matters.
For if humanity defines itself by doing,
Then style is doubly definitive because
Style describes the doing.
The point is this.
Happiness is a learned condition.
And since it is learned and self-generating,
It does not depend upon
External circumstances for
Its perpetuation. This throws a
Very ironic light on content. And
Underscores the primacy of style.
It is content, or rather the
Consciousness of content, that
Fills the void. But the mere
Presence of content is not enough.
It is style that makes us care.”
–Amanda, Another Roadside Attraction, by Tom Robbins
