attention.

“I’m here, paying attention,” I said to the teacher. 

“I do not care about attention.”

“Really?” I asked. 

“The dog will forget whatever he is doing to chase the squirrel. And the squirrel will provide some momentary entertainment. For a while. Attention is too fragile and temporary. It too easily captures us and then lets us go. For this reason, it’s an excellent tool to keep you in control—swallowed by the machines and systems and powers that will do anything for your attention. I will enter no war for attention.” 

“Then what?” 

“Devotion. The dog is devoted to its master. And the master feeds it, cares for it, provides a relationship. The squirrel provides entertainment and momentary significance, the master provides life. Do not confuse the two.” 

“Do you want devotion?” 

He laughed. “There are only two things worthy of your devotion: mystery and love. All others are only deeper manifestations of attention. I have no desire to manipulate you and I hope you are able to resist your desire to be manipulated.”