From: ian glendinning (psybertron@gmail.com)
Date: Sun Jul 17 2005 - 10:52:11 BST
Mati,
It's a fine but important line between mis-directed sarcasm and
ironic, barbed wit.
There is also an element of familiarity breeding contempt between old
sparring partners knocking lumps out of each other, which may often be
lost on newcomers.
Many a true word spoken in jest, and in our striving to be
intellectual (something Paul also posted on) I hope we don't forget we
are biological, social, human animals too. No humanity without
humour. Sarcasm we can do without - except in frustrated extremis -
Platt for example :-) - only joking.
Politeness is anything but fun, but respect is essential.
In the words of Dan Dennett, "But what do I know ?"
Ian
On 7/16/05, Mati Palm-Leis <mpalm@merr.com> wrote:
> The MOQ Family
>
> A thought for us all.
>
> I lately have been pondering the thought of the effects of SOM on the modern
> ego. Also I have watch and read many of the post over the past two years and
> it has been an overall positive exercise. The only issue I take to heart is
> the times when we take pot shots or lace our comments with sarcasm. Why is
> it done? Perhaps out of frustration or ego. Personally I find them sad and
> do not find them helpful in the advancement of the discussion. When I find
> them it seems to turn our messages into monologues rather than the dialogues
> that we want to achieve. If they are a product of our ego, I suspect that we
> ourselves really know. I would identify these comments as a social discourse
> and lacking of respect for the individual being and ultimately ourselves.
> It is like going to a family reunion with your girlfriend and seeing Uncle
> Tim and Grandpa Larry arguing bitterly with verbal sarcasm and barbs. They
> may always do it and it may even be fun for them. Then you to turn to
> girlfriend and say, welcome to the family? This discussion group and its
> readers are a vital part of the intellectual advancement MOQ as a
> philosophical paradigm. As tempting and justified as these barbs may seem,
> they can not ever be done so on an intellectual level. We can agree to
> disagree and politely retort with thoughtful ideas, hey that is where the
> real fun is!
>
> Mati
>
>
>
>
>
>
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