Ani Mareck wrote:
> What possible purpose would you have in suggesting this book? You have
>made it clear that you think it is the most riduculous piece of written trash
>you have ever seen?
My post suggested not so much the book itself as the fact that it was being
taken so seriously in the US.
> It seems to me that the time here might be more usefully spent looking
>at some of the amazing and positive things many people throughout the world are
>doing to raise awareness about the interconnectedness of the environment and
>human life. I have only been listening in on this conference for a few weeks
>and have been unpleasantly surprized at the amount of unimaginative bellyaching
>being passed around the airways.
> Is this conference mostly for complaining, or are there any people out
>there into creative problem solving?
2 things:
1st; I rarely post to this list because stunningly demeaning manner in which
much of the discourse takes place. I am mostly on academic scientific lists,
not known for humanistic awareness, but this post would be considered quite
rude on most of them. Isn't it a bit of a contradiction to use words like "the
interconnectedness of human life" and then in the next sentence call arguments
that many humans find serious and meaningful "unimaginative bellyaching"?
This is a larger problem than just this post...there are many on the list, but
few speak...and I wonder how many don't for the same reason I rarely do...
there are many things demanding my time and time spent on the INTERNET is spent
trying to learn, now and then share, and occaisionally find friends across the
world. It is simply not worth it to engage in discussions when the level of
discourse makes it likely that instead of a mutual search for truth carried on
among people whose underlying attitude is respect, one is more likely to simply
take personal shots.
2nd; I *am* into creative problem solving, and work daily for an organization
trying to keep designated wildernesses from being trashed. I also write
extensively on the process of problem solving, and perhaps the most important
first step is a *thorough analysis of existing conditions*. Anyone who attempts
to engage problem solving without first understanding the matrix w/in which the
problem exists (and hence, from which the solution will emerge) will only
produce fantasies with no chance of actually changing the real world.
I brought up "The Bell Curve", because the fact of its popularity seems
to be a relevant and telling symptom of some trends in the national psyche...
trends that those wanting to really change our nation need to understand.
Ani, if you have some book you consider to contain a positive vision, then tell
us about it, please...I certainly am aware of dozens of new visions and piles
of positive work being done all over the place...the question I was raising was
why, with these positive visions and good work, why is it the dark visions of
the Bell Curve and not that of the book you mention that is on the bestseller
list, being talked about all over campuses and in news editorials...why has it
and not your book seized the national imagination? You do not think this is a
relevant question for those who wish to work for positive change in the world?
If you don't explain why, but please don't imply I am ridiculous, or just
bellyaching, for having attempted to raise the topic.
With love and respect, -JRC
