You might have caught this on
slashdot already, but Paul Graham has
an essay on the nature of essays that I found to be fascinating.
In particular, I found his observations strikingly comparable to the scientific method, philosophical discourse, and open source development all rolled into one. It certainly made me wonder about much of what I was taught of my eructation...erp...that is to say, erudition.
I've noticed essays right here on Meditations that embody many of his observations.
It's a lucid piece on the nature of essays without the jargon of PhD academic obfuscation.
Cheers,
Matt