On Numinosity: "From 1929 to 1962, the French phenomenologist, Gaston Bachelard wrote several books in which he analysed and elucidated the 'poetics' of matter, revealing the subtle yet profound ways the properties and associations of various substances affect the imagination. He demonstrated scientifically that water, for instance, could be experienced as 'dissolved girl.' He psychoanalysed fire and spoke knowledgeably of the 'hidden spirit' imprisoned in the solids, liquids and gasses we usually take for granted. 'Dreaming of the secret power of substances, we dream of our secret being. The greatest secrets of our being are hidden from ourselves.'"