John and Andre --
(Kindly ignore this message if you received it before.)
[John to Andre]:
"I don't see a conflict between the concepts of "unique I" and
"we are One". I see a continuum between the dynamic whole
and static granularity. We humans seem to have the ability to
choose to traverse this continuum at will."
[Andre responding]:
I also like M K's response and I agree with his observation.
At the same time it made me realise why I was so questioning this
emphasis on the 'I' and all the individualism associated with it:
there seems really too much of it nowadays... it divides, creates
conflicts, asserts differences rather than similarities etc etc. ...
If we're talking philosophy and not politics, "emphasis on the 'I'"
certainly does "divide, create conflicts, and reveal differences." But
that, gentlemen, is precisely what a "point of view" does. Individuals are
cognizant points of view, as I said to Krimel, and the Self is the agent of
value. I define individuality as "differentiated value-sensiblity". It
means that each of us has a unique set of value preferences and the freedom
to choose and act accordingly.
If conscious sensibility were the same for all of us, there would be no
point to having separate brains and different life experiences. "Some
things are better than others" would be a meaningless euphemism, as we would
all prefer and seek the same values. Individual life would serve no purpose
because wanting, knowing, and experiencing would be a collective identity.
Even Pirsig acknowledges that Quality is differentiated as patterns and
levels.
Instead of trying to sweep the knowing Self under the rug, try appreciating
the value of difference in your own life. Realizing and discriminating
between values is what existence is all about. Why are men different than
women? Why is love the opposite of hate? Why is excellence better than
mediocre? Why do we look for beauty and order rather than the gross and
chaotic?
The French have an expression for this: "Vive la difference!" I suggest you
consider what that really means. Otherwise your life is cast in a uniform
shade of gray, marching in lockstep with the collective mind.
Essentially yours,
Ham
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