>Date: Wed, 03 Mar 1999 17:21:40 -0700
>From: David McFadzean <david@lucifer.com>
>Subject: Re: virus: Have a Coke and a Smile!
>
>At 01:46 PM 3/3/99 -0500, Reed Konsler wrote:
>
>>Oh, me too. This is why I suggest just have faith in some things and
>>stop worrying about it. Think about it...what is the practical difference
>>between an "assumption" which is "potentially open to criticism" but
>>which, in actual fact, never gets crtiqued and an article of faith?
>
>Perhaps you are missing the point. By claiming to be rational you are
>telling the world that you are willing to change your mind. Think about
>it, anyone can *change your mind*. Isn't that scary? Just by following
>these reasonably simple rules, you can affect my belief system, my
>actions, the way I look at the world. Think of the games you can play
>when you play by those rules. Think of the games you are missing if you
>don't. Really, think about it.
Yes, I take your point. Really, I do. But many people are afraid, and
they cling to fundamentals like the drowning in a sea of chaos. Others
hold to fundamentals in order that they might create art or science which
pleases them better. In neither case is an attack in order, nor a
self-satisfied
sneer of righteousness. The rational show proper practice in action, not
words. They comfort the fearful. They appreciate the artists. They are
humble. The rational person thinks in the words and uses the metaphor
of the Other first, to show respect, to comfort, and to build rapport.
Now, I'm certianly not the least confrontational person. But here, in this place, we are claiming to be rational. So, like you, I test. And I push. And the lurkers watch.
In the end...we are all rational. Even the fundamentallist will change their mind. They may deny it...
and yet, it moves.
Reed
Reed Konsler konsler@ascat.harvard.edu ---------------------------------------------------------------------