Stephen wrote:
"Here are a few observations that might make for some good discussion.
1. Pirsig states that static patterns are comstantly 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 soceity to live in. What may be the source of the idea that a static
existence is the key to fulfillment?"
I really don't know...except it's Friday and I feel the urge to babble...in
the US many corporations have what is called "casual Friday" where the guys
can wear polo shirts and the gals can wear slacks...sort of a deviation from
pre-conceived norms that allows one to relax...maybe we could say that Friday
is casual day for the MoQ and one can say whatever one feels without raising
the ire of Bo :)...As a working man I have little interaction with the
intellectual realm because my work involves "work-things" and my friends
involve recreation, romance, etc. I can always find someone to talk about
football or a proposed tax cut or a great new Italian restaurant but where in
the world can I participate (mostly through listening) in discussions about
Meaning, or the meaning of Meaning? Platt made a bold statement a few days
ago about his desire to (paraphrasing) experience a higher level of
consciousness through participation in the Group - pretty "heady" when you
think about it. I do not know if that is attainable or not in this forum,
but I can certainly relate to his pursuit. I don't know if the "American
dream" is merely Society's dictum for conformity, but I wonder if the
Europeans have a similar concept. That thought of mine in and of itself
represents a break from my "static" perception of culture, meaning that in a
nation as large and diverse as the US it is quite easy to feel that one is at
the center of the Universe, and if not the complete center then surely the
only part that really counts. The European members of this forum have
allowed me the opportunity to at least attempt to conceptualize life outside
of my culture coccoon, and I think that's a good thing. I actually found it
odd when I first joined this Group to discover its international flavor
because I had no idea that Pirsig's work had transcended so many boundaries.
There was also talk of a MoQ conference that seems like a great idea, but
apparently would be a pretty difficult undertaking. So, is the American dream
static, or is it a misguided desire for self-fulfillment and contentment? I
can think of nothing more static than the concept of meditation, but I don't
know if I could rightfully describe the enlightened existence of a contented
Zen master as static or dynamic. Anyway, apologies for the non-germane
babbling, and wishing everyone a great weekend.
Clarke
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