From: Wim Nusselder (wim.nusselder@antenna.nl)
Date: Fri Dec 19 2003 - 20:16:38 GMT
Dear Steve,
You asked 16 Dec 2003 18:59:00 -0500:
'Could you explain what static patterns "migrating towards DQ" means to you?
... Are static patterns static or not?'
It refers to Pirsig's statement in chapter 11 of 'Lila':
"All life is a migration of static patterns of quality toward Dynamic
Quality."
Initially he applies it only to biological evolution, but later in chapter
11 he broadens the idea to other levels when explaining it:
'The static molecule ... protein, surrounds the Dynamic one and prevents
attack by forces of light, heat and other chemicals that would prey on its
sensitivity and destroy it. The Dynamic one, called DNA, reciprocates by
telling the static one what to do, replacing the static one when it wears
out, replacing itself even when it hasn't worn out, and changing its own
nature to overcome adverse conditions. ...
This division of all biological evolutionary patterns into a Dynamic
function and a static function continues on up through higher levels of
evolution. The formation of semipermeable cell walls to let food in and keep
poisons out is a static latch. So are bones, shells, hide, for, burrows,
clothes, houses, villages, castles, rituals, symbols, laws and libraries.
All of these prevent evolutionary degeneration.
On the other hand, the shift in cell reproduction from mitosis to meiosis to
permit sexual choice and allow huge DNA diversification is a Dynamic
advance. So is the collective organization of cells into metazoan societies
called plants and animals. So are sexual choice, symbiosis, death and
regeneration, communality, communication, speculative thought, curiosity and
art. Most of these, when viewed in a substance-centered evolutionary way,
are thought of as mere incidental properties of the molecular machine. But
in a value-centered explanation of evolution they are close to the Dynamic
process itself, pulling the pattern of life forward to greater levels of
versatility, and freedom.
Sometimes a Dynamic increment goes forward but can find no latching
mechanism and so fails and slips back to a previous latched position. Whole
species and cultures get lost this way. Sometimes a static pattern becomes
so powerful it prohibits any Dynamic moves forward. In both cases the
evolutionary process is halted for a while. But when it's not halted the
result has been an increase in power to control hostile forces or an
increase in versatility or both. The increase in versatility is directed
toward Dynamic Quality. The increase in power to control hostile forces is
directed toward static quality. Without Dynamic Quality the organism cannot
grow. Without static quality the organism cannot last. Both are needed.'
With friendly greetings,
Wim
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