> Here are a few observations that might make for some good discussion.
> 1. Pirsig states that static patterns are constantly moving towards DQ, but
> 1 one major exception is the "american dream" which seems to call for a
> completely static existence with a steady job, a typical family, and a
> static society to live in. What may be the source of the idea that a static
> existence is the key to fulfilment?
>
> The American dream is a social ideal; a paradigm based upon the illusion
> that
> people are individuals.
> People are not individuals; 'i' is a myth.
> This myth is perpetuated through social values in the US, and elsewhere in
> order to provide a static biological foundation for U.S. 'i' centred values.
> The illusion that anyone can fulfil unlimited potential as an individual is
> ridiculous.
> Are you an American Stephen?
>
The myth of "I" as created by society kind of took me aback. Maybe I'm
horribly misguided - it's always possible - but society is the one thing
where individuals are not considered. The American dream was always put
forth, and perpetuated, by those who wanted to keep society going without any
messy individualism running around. It was something, always, to make people
work towards something at the individual level which helped society, more
then them. It is a societal value they are working for.
The point at which individuals begin to be considered, the "myth" of I, so
you say, seems to be the intellectual level - no group can have a single
thought. Only individuals can have a thought, and any group effort towards
this end is just a sum of the individuals thinking. Ideas are never created
or stored in a collective.
~S G~
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