Hi, Bob--
Then after an experience
>like that you're the same, but completely changed. My question is, any
>anyone else in the group had any experience like this? I wonder if this
>is what makes Pirisg's philosophy so attractive?
>
Interesting question. Here's my take on it:
My wife, a PK (Pastor's Kid), used to "yell" at me to read the Bible more,
while I "yelled" back that she should read Pirsig. As a literature major in
college, I found symbols and signs in everything, as Shakespeare said, ". .
. found tongues in trees. . ."
[BTW, Bob, yes, I've had an experience similar to that as well. Perhaps more
on that in a later post]
I was drawn to Pirsig as an educator since I could profess my faith in
things "deeper and higher" without apostheosizing my students and trampling
on their own value systems. In the university I call home (and have for the
past twenty-some years), we have students from seventy nations; just call us
"Diversity University."
But Pirsig is open to interpretation, and you can get into some pretty
wonderful conversations on the nature of Quality while drawing analogies to
every formative organized religious tenet. . . . without offending virtually
ANYONE. I find it very easy to live a life of maintenance, allowing others
to determine its source--be it Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, Hebraic, Duck
River Baptist [hold on, that would be Christian. . . .] or Sunset Pessimists
(the flip side of Sunrise Optimists).
I am secure in my faith and will willingly discuss its finer points, but
Pirsig's writings allow a perceptible "openness" without the fear of someone
else's labeling to constrict discussion.
I guess that's a little of what this Group is all about, eh? I mean, God
rests as comfortably in the RAM of a computer as in the pedals of a Schwinn,
right?
And, Roger--
Many thanks for your kind words. I'm clicking my heels three times right now
while saying, "There's no place like home. . ."
Cheers,
Jeff
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