Shutting oneself away at home and devouring stacks of books does have its uses, but a proper understanding of society and the times requires direct contact with the world. The neighbor, therefore, teaches something that books cannot. Thus, Cioran, traveling through France by bicycle, sleeping in hostels, and talking with young people, was ahead of ambassadors, observers, and everyone else when it came to the French people’s sentiments regarding World War II. By wandering the world, he gained a conviction that seemed like clairvoyance to some English officers. Often, clairvoyance is nothing more than a variation on experiences like these.