'Framing my work in the context of this topic can be done, but please excuse me if I come at it in a peculiar way. Superstition does relate, in some ways, but far more in my life than in my work, but obviously the two things are not mutually exclusive. I have never been superstitious in the usual sense of the way we use the word. I have never broken a mirror, but I have certainly crossed the path of a few black cats, so to speak, and it never bothered me. What I am cautious about, though, is giving power to ideas by speaking them. I have had many experiences in my life when careless words said in jest have forecast grim tidings. This may sound silly—and yes, superstitious—but I figure it can’t hurt not to tempt fate. Allow me to explain.'
(Introduction)