Paradigm lost, paradigm regained

Perhaps there are two factors that influence which scholarly works we choose to read. One is based on the popularity (or 'the noise factor') pertaining to the works. We mays not concur with the scholar's philosophy, and we may not even fully understand his/her ideas, but in order to keep abreast of the state of the discipline, we decide to read some works. On the other hand, we may choose to read a particular author because of our fascination with the writer's ideas -- their originality, clarity, and philosophy, or any combination of these. I admit from the outset that the second factor featured most prominently in my decision to continue to read Ali Mazrui, from the time I was able to put my hand on his published works. While reading Mazrui's works, one can enjoy his unique qualities of presentation, and at the same time keep abreast of significant global events. A reader, of course, always reserves the right not to buy into some of Mazrui's conclusions, but one thing is clear; to read Mazrui's writings, and to listen to his lectures, means to know more, while getting the utmost pleasure from the process of knowing itself.