The first three chapters of this work presented expositions and commentary on philosophical texts. The task of the present chapter is quite different. Here we will consider Stein's intellectual practice as an interpreter of the writings, characters, and actions of other people. Her life work, which many other scholars have studied, appears in a new light when compared with her own understanding of what it means to understand. ¹ At some points, it will be helpful to measure Stein's interpretive practices against her own theory, or conversely to test her theory out upon her practices. Disclosure of possible corroboration or contradiction between Stein's theory and practice is an exercise of some intrinsic interest. More significant, however, is the way in which Stein's textual practice--her writing--makes sense against the background of what she intended to be doing in the act of interpreting.