The Labyrinth of Outsiderhood: A Borgesian Guide

"In the course of a life dedicated to letters and (at times) to metaphysical perplexity, I have seen the Library of Babel; but I have never found the tome that would grant me the wisdom of the outsider." - Jorge Luis Borges (apocryphal)

Welcome, seeker of the esoteric path to outsiderhood. In this infinitely recursive guide, we shall explore the intricate steps to detach oneself from the mundane and embrace the extraordinary. Remember, as Borges might say, the journey to become an outsider is itself an illusion, for we are all already outside the center of an infinite sphere.

Step 1:

Cultivate an Arcane Library

Begin by curating a collection of obscure and forgotten tomes. Seek out books that exist only in your imagination, for they are the true keys to outsiderhood. Remember, the act of searching for these non-existent volumes is more important than actually finding them.

Step 2:

Master the Art of Temporal Displacement

Practice living simultaneously in multiple time periods. Dress in attire from the 19th century, use vocabulary from the 16th, and ponder philosophical questions from the 23rd. The true outsider exists in all times and no time at once.

Step 3:

Engage in Circular Conversations

When speaking, ensure that your sentences loop back on themselves in perfect symmetry. Begin and end your thoughts with the same word, creating a verbal Möbius strip that will leave your listeners in a state of beautiful confusion.

Step 4:

Cultivate Paradoxical Hobbies

Dedicate yourself to impossible pastimes. Collect editions of books that were never written, map imaginary cities, or catalog the dreams of people you've never met. The pursuit of the intangible is the hallmark of a true outsider.

Step 5:

Embrace Infinite Recursion

In every action, see the reflection of all possible actions. When you look in a mirror, imagine an infinite series of reflections, each containing a slightly different version of yourself. Live your life as if you are simultaneously all of these reflections.