Machines for Thinking

In his book, Practical Judgements, Mark Kingwell discusses the concept of furniture as machines for thinking, observing very few people of letters seem to discuss such things. "How these rooms are furnished, what pieces inhabit them and give them shape, determines in large measure what kinds of thoughts are possible there," he writes. "The rooms of our existence are throbbing with thoughts waiting to happen, with insights struggling into the ever-changing light."

Humphrey especially enjoys climbing up to the top of any piece of furniture for the purpose of thinking.

Exploring perspectives atop many chairs, chesterfields, and beds, Humprhey has been giving thought to Kingwell's thesis. Humphrey's colleague Harpo recently asked him, "How do you go about writing?"

"Well, Harpo," he said, pausing. As a prelude to his own writing, Humphrey routinely selects a purposeful spot - usually on his favorite, fluffy bed - to contemplate, collect and organize his thoughts. Sometimes, he closes his eyes, allowing his mind to be lulled into a relaxed and creative state. "I guess I start with a good stretch, and then I lie down on my silk bed under the desk, and let my thoughts pool and swirl."

When operating machines for thinking, Humphrey sometimes resembles a polar bear.

Yes, Humphrey finally concluded privately, Kingwell is right! All these pieces of furniture, these are machines for thinking! Some machines are for dreamy, creative thoughts; others are machines that energize and alter him. That bed is indeed his machine for a certain kind of thinking.

Wondering about how others make use of machines for thinking, Humphrey asked his guardian about the matter. She had a few ideas of her own.

A modern chair is the perfect machine for modern ideas. This one is clear and ethereal, just right for postmodern work!

Old machines like this chair and footstool can be modernized for thinking, but remind us of a certain charm of days gone by.

A luxurious sofa is the best machine for leisurely thought, especially when one wants to free-associate.

And finally, like Humphrey, she agreed that a bed is perhaps the best machine for thinking of all, one which the body is so comfortable that it allows for entirely unencumbered contemplation.

Humphrey remembers Kingwell's words: "Stop now, and listen. Listen hard. Listen for the sound of machines for thinking whispering their thoughts to you. They whisper of love and death and honour lost. They sing of good meals and funny friends and art that moves you. They welcome your achievements and ease your pain. They support you when you can no longer support yourself."