Sorry for the bombardment of comments today. I've been chewing over your recent offerings and have been waiting for a moment when the thoughts and feelings that arose in me could be put into (hopefully coherent) responses!
As is my bent, I'm seeking curiously for ways to better understand another being, and thus myself. I'm looking to be educated and sharpened, not to critique or pick an argument!
No that's fine Jez but I'm wondering if my direction of travel or my (as you say) hopeless message is one you want to continue to receive? I wouldn't be offended or upset if you decided to unsubscribe.
I've not been offended or upset in the least, merely curious and occasionally perplexed.
I'm also hoping to begin writing on this platform soon, so I'm interested in seeing how people begin journeys on here. For now, it's good to be along for the ride.
I'm really curious after reading this and other recent posts.
You self-describe as being without hope for the human race or future. But the poets and storytellers, more than anyone, offer us a kind of robust, hope - complex but relentless.
This has been woven through their words and writings for centuries. Their words are nourishment for body and soul. Springs of water in the desert of life.
I'm wondering how you square your hopeless attitude with the offerings of the poets you love? (Machado is a prime example! "Traveller, there is no path / you make the road by walking" has lifted and buoyed me many times.)
What is your story about the inner conflict between the voices of misanthropy, and the voices of relentless belief?
Not to be a contrarian but I'm not sure I'd say I'm without hope of any hue. Hope-free definitely; I don't try to square what I read with how I am. I love the words for what they are -- nothing more, nothing less. If I look at what humans have done to the world, I'd be surprised if anyone doesn't scratch their head and ask themselves if being the apparent Crown of Creation seems to mean we can do anything we want without weighing in the balance the consequences of doing so.
I suppose I would counter that by stating that, as I see it, words change people. What I read, at least in part, becomes who I am. The poets and the writers, the activists and the artists, have shaped me and my approach to the world.
But the meta-narratives and myths of our day are enormously powerful, and have many channels through which to do their insidious work. These words shape people too, in far greater numbers.
But my point remains. I believe that what we read contributes to who we are, and to how we see the world and ourselves in it.
Sorry for the bombardment of comments today. I've been chewing over your recent offerings and have been waiting for a moment when the thoughts and feelings that arose in me could be put into (hopefully coherent) responses!
As is my bent, I'm seeking curiously for ways to better understand another being, and thus myself. I'm looking to be educated and sharpened, not to critique or pick an argument!
No that's fine Jez but I'm wondering if my direction of travel or my (as you say) hopeless message is one you want to continue to receive? I wouldn't be offended or upset if you decided to unsubscribe.
Take care, Julian
Time will tell, Julian.
I've not been offended or upset in the least, merely curious and occasionally perplexed.
I'm also hoping to begin writing on this platform soon, so I'm interested in seeing how people begin journeys on here. For now, it's good to be along for the ride.
Thanks, and richest blessings,
Jez
I'm really curious after reading this and other recent posts.
You self-describe as being without hope for the human race or future. But the poets and storytellers, more than anyone, offer us a kind of robust, hope - complex but relentless.
This has been woven through their words and writings for centuries. Their words are nourishment for body and soul. Springs of water in the desert of life.
I'm wondering how you square your hopeless attitude with the offerings of the poets you love? (Machado is a prime example! "Traveller, there is no path / you make the road by walking" has lifted and buoyed me many times.)
What is your story about the inner conflict between the voices of misanthropy, and the voices of relentless belief?
Jez
Not to be a contrarian but I'm not sure I'd say I'm without hope of any hue. Hope-free definitely; I don't try to square what I read with how I am. I love the words for what they are -- nothing more, nothing less. If I look at what humans have done to the world, I'd be surprised if anyone doesn't scratch their head and ask themselves if being the apparent Crown of Creation seems to mean we can do anything we want without weighing in the balance the consequences of doing so.
Julian
I suppose I would counter that by stating that, as I see it, words change people. What I read, at least in part, becomes who I am. The poets and the writers, the activists and the artists, have shaped me and my approach to the world.
But the meta-narratives and myths of our day are enormously powerful, and have many channels through which to do their insidious work. These words shape people too, in far greater numbers.
But my point remains. I believe that what we read contributes to who we are, and to how we see the world and ourselves in it.