Hi Angus,
Thanks a lot for this, it has definitely helped me to understand where you
were coming from. And in particular I understand when you say:
> That's why I think Wittgenstein and Pirsig are
> "identical". At least in the world of the EQ. They
> "show" the same way though they don't "say" the same
> thing.
and I agree with you. If reality is indeed a unity, then insight about the
mountain we are climbing must be 'identical' in that sense. A few other
comments:
> I've withstood the attacks of the friendly ogres
> of this list without fleeing and have a better
> knowledge of Pirsig because of it. I often say things
> that I don't believe per se, they're feelings to tease
> out the subject. If I'm being disingenuous with you,
> forgive me my trespass in trying to pry knowledge from
> you. I also make "emotional statements" which I
> explain below.
I hope I count as much on the 'friendly' side as on the 'ogre' side! I get
great benefit from this forum, because it's one of the few places in my life
at the moment where I can put my intellect through its paces. So I'm very
glad you're not fleeing.
> I don't know Baker, Hacker or Fergus Kerr but I have
> read David Pears [UCLA] and my close friend was his
> best student for a while. You and I agree on being
> able to reconcile the 2 Wittgensteins. I'll check
> those guys or gals out.
Don't bother with Baker/Hacker (they co-wrote, which is why I'm putting them
together), they are the epitome of the "minute detail is boring " approach
(necessary, but I'm glad I didn't have to do it). Fergus Kerr is very
interesting, but have you read Ray Monk's biography? I've always felt that
that is the best (and most readable) way in to Wittgenstein as a whole.
> I could compare it to the movie "Eyes
> Wide Shut." To me that movie is mystical. What is
> unsaid is more powerful than what is expressed. A lot
> of people did not like that movie BUT it is I guess
> it's "depth grammar" that is simply phenomenal.
I agree with you 100% on this (and liked Eyes Wide Shut so much I went and
bought my own copy).
> .....It is aesthetic like
> ZAMM. It is not the 60s pop aesthetic of Pirsig,
> rather Wittgenstein's TLP had a minimalist Zen
> Buddhist sort of aesthetic ([EQ] thus my note that he
> is "tracing the Eastern tradition in the West".
> Because this is EQ I can say that without "proof" of
> his interaction with an actual someone).
Fair enough - there are definite conceptual parallels. Wittgenstein himself
talks about the 'crystalline purity' of TLP.
> That is why I think Pirsig needs to attack language.
Yes - or us, all together.
> [EQ] With much respect,
> [IQ] With much respect,
And to you.
Sam
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