Re: Accepting reality (Re: MD Pirsig's hypocrisy)

From: Jonathan B. Marder (jonathan.marder@newmail.net)
Date: Sun Jul 08 2001 - 11:57:14 BST


Hi Platt and all,

> JONATHAN
> > Too true. Many moons ago, I stirred things up by suggesting that in the
end,
> > Phaedrus was the posing moralist, "slinking off" and leaving the real job
of
> > caring for Lila to Richard Rigel.. . .

PLATT
> I knew somebody had pointed this out a long time ago. So it was you. I
> sure didn't see it at the time. Chalk it up to my being a dim bulb,
> blinded by the brilliance of the MOQ and unwilling at the time to see any
> cracks in the Great Author's edifice.
>

Platt, you will be interested to learn that it was YOU who objected.
Your 22 Nov 1998 post on the subject is here . . .
http://alt.venus.co.uk/hypermail/moq_discuss/9811/0210.html
(the whole thread is interesting)

JONATHAN
> >
> > In the context it was written, it was clear that Phaedrus was not exactly
> > jumping for joy at the outcome. He is mixed between sorrow at Lila'
departure
> > and happiness for his freedom. Notably, the happiness is a RATIONALISATION
> > that gives us AFTER Lila has already decided to leave him.
>

PLATT
> Well, actually he was jumping for joy--almost:
>
> "He stood on a mound of sand beside some juniper bushes and said
> "Ahhhhh!' He threw out his arms. Free! No idols, no Lila, no Rigel, no
> New York, no more American even. Just free!"
>
> Sounds to me like pure emotion, not rationalization.

Okay, I retract of rationalization, but not that Phaedrus' "happiness" at
Lila's departure was post-fact. Before Lila departs, there is no clue that
this is the outcome Phaedrus favours.

> How's that essay coming? Have you had a chance yet to read John
> Beasley's latest?

No progress on either score yet. I must find some time !!!

Jonathan

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