The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing, said the Greek poet Archilochus. Examples of the hedgehog: Plato, Dante, trying to explain the chaotic and messy universe through one unified theory. Examples of the fox: Shakespeare, or more recently David Eggars, reveling in the messiness and multiplicity of life without feeling the need to unify anything.

If I had to classify myself, I would say that I fall into the fox category. I try to do a little of everything, instead of focusing on one big thing. I do a lot of things pretty well, but maybe I should focus on doing one thing amazingly well. Am I missing the forest for the trees?

I think it’s time to try my hand at being a hedgehog for a little bit. What does that mean for me? It means that while I’m in this extremely exciting and artistic city, I shouldn’t miss a single chance to do, see, experience art if I can help it. Take advantage of every opportunity! Take risks! Don’t be shy! Stay out late! Don’t waste time!

So why am I talking about foxes and hedgehogs? Since I’ve been in Berlin, I’ve been on sensory overlaod—there’s so much to do, so much to see… and I want to make sure that I don’t become desensitized to it, that I take full advantage…so, still, why foxes and hedgehogs? I read an article in an English language magazine that mentioned the idea, and frankly, I think it explains a lot.

And with that, I’m off to a performance.