In the realm of boredom, as in so many others, it is better to give than to receive, and I would have it known that, as a university teacher, I give - and I give plenty - at the office. With the aid of my scintillating talk, I have in my day put a student or two to sleep. When first I noted this strange power, I was a touch alarmed and more than a touch resentful. In the fullness of time I have gotten over both the alarm and the resentment. Except in seminar rooms, where there is the danger of injury through their striking their heads against a table top, I allow such students to snooze away, drawing the line only at passionate snoring. I suppose I could wake them, but I don't like a scene. Besides, my reasoning is, if my students cannot arise from my classes inspired, at least they will awake refreshed.
- Joseph Epstein
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