..."as close to pure flight as man can get"
This I've found to be very true. Probably some of the most pure enjoyment I've had flying. It's you and the elements and nothing else. You learn how your plane performs and plan ahead, way ahead. I know we all have been up there without a selected landing spot from time to time, but in a glider you always are thinking "Can I make that field, what about that one over there?" Stalls are a hoot and misuse of the rudder becomes apparent very quickly. I've towed more hours than I've flown gliders but for the pure enjoyment a glider is the best, IMHO.