Steven, this is an amazing piece! It's at an elite national level, imho anyway, like something you'd expect to see in the NY Times, like a similar piece on Albrecht Durer.

For one thing, you are focused in drawing your points out of you subject matter, and avoid going over the top or off the rails.

For another, and more exciting, is you dive into philosophy and history to deepen or contextualize your points.

The result is you give the reader so much to ponder and to explore in their own thoughts.

If you recall, I was also blown away by your Montaigne piece (respect) which was amazing in a different direction. Reading this now, it feels like a deeper dive. Respect.