My interests have always been broad, and I've studied and written in many different fields.  Frequently I was advised otherwise, usually "to focus."  This was generally well-meant  -- the economy of knowledge certainly awards specialization, and more deeply, brand .  My life probably would have been institutionally easier and yet more glorious had I become "the expert" in this or that corner of the academy, perhaps even dominated a room.   Not that I'm in a position to complain, materially, and intellectually, the conversations I've had!

Over the years, however, even a flaneur (stroller) like me repeats his steps.  (O.k., I'm too impatient to be a good flaneur.)  Be that as it may, one returns to the same questions, worries the old bones.  Minds, and times, have preoccupations, and themes emerge.