Dear Lena,

I know a lot of time has passed since you asked me how you might get started with studying philosophy. I imagine by now you assume I’ve either forgotten or given my word on something I never intended to follow through with. I’m writing you today, finally, so that you may lay those assumptions aside. In truth, your question has preoccupied me for quite some time, and it may sound dubious, but I’ve needed this past year to reflect on how best to respond to you. . . .