Just because...

[amicus]

I may have posted this before, if so, accept my apologies...it was an attempt, self explanatory , I hope, as it is my most strenuous effort to outline the differences I see between right and left, conservative and Liberal, et cetera...

↓ New Notes

* Prodigious.Mirth: posted a new story: The Last Chapter of The Apparition Man - Chapter 35
This is my last chapter of The Apparition Man - for a contest. Feel free to read the ending of my epic Novel.
* SageSyren: posted a new story: Creation Mischief: Part 16
Kyle pushed the stocks of the brittle pussy willow aside as we neared the lake. They sounded like the sandpaper the boat builders use to smooth their hulls.1
* WillyLee: commented on Questions...a letter to a Friend

I have thought some about this, also. The quick and dirty answer that works for me is that if you don't believe in objective reality, or truth, then you can't assert anything without contradicting yourself. Probably that is too simple to work for everyone. I know that if a tree falls and nobody hears it, it still makes a sound, just as I know that I am an independent individual. Those two things are closely connected, if not identical. "The subjective, relativistic world you advocate, is a necessary ingredient and a perfect foil.." That sounds about right to me, except that the subjective world is fashioned from elements of the objective world, and I don't think it ever works the other way around, but perhaps it does. There's just so many things we don't know, and we each have our individual abilities and experiences, so that almost every person knows something that nobody else knows. I guess reality is pretty real to me, especially when I do something dumb like stubbing my toe and it really hurts. You got 4 points from applause
Optionally rate this comment: ?
Return the favor?

Questions...a letter to a Friend
1

Dear XXXX...2

Thought about our conversation a few nights ago and thought of the long time opposite positions we have occupied on this subject oj reality, if it is absolute and objective or relative and subjective.3

I mused about the whole thing, off and on and thought to try to share my thoughts with you in a beneficial manner and not a confrontational one, as I know we do not communicate well on many issues.4

Please note also that I am totally unwilling to budge a millimeter from my position, but I did get a mere glimmer of an idea as to how to accommodate your point of view without injuring mine; if only I can manage to word it in an inoffensive manner, at least to you, personally.5

Not going to delve into genetic memory or history, or instinct or any of those things as, in my opinion they are subjective speculations not based in reality and one can believe anything one wishes.6

To use an extreme example, or a couple of them to shed light on a general conclusion, I suggest that there are indeed special people born into this world. Be they 'savant's' or genius's or born artists and musicians. I think there are sufficient examples that both of us are aware of so that I need not offer proof that such 'special people' do exist, I think we can stipulate that?7

Just exactly what it is in brain function, heredity, genes and chromosomes that is fundamental in creating these, 'special people', I cannot say with any certainty. But that they do exist, to me, is a given and we could both cite examples.8

My point of view, which I present as being rational, logical and absolute, is basically that reality exists; that which is, is.9

That 'reality' exists regardless of human perception, has always and will always exist whether perceived by humanity or not.10

The second big thing is that the human mind 'can' perceive that reality, in context of course, given our sensory ability and the fact that we can use equipment to extend our perceptions, such as telescopes and microscopes and that, that data, is also valid and real.11

I want to leave that there in hopes that I said enough that you will accept my position without further clarification or proof. I can, of course, provide you with further arguments and support, but suffice it to say, I think you know where I am and that I can support each contention.12

I am going to tip-toe into this in hopes you will accept it as a peace sign, a dove, an olive branch, a sincere attempt to comprehend your subjective and relativistic viewpoint on existence.13

My world is not populated with God's and devils and satans and demons. Nor are there vampires or werewolves or fairies or goblins or unicorns; there is no fantasy in my world view or mindset, if I can't see it, touch it, feel it, smell and taste it, then it ain't so. And yes, I concur my sensory perceptions differ from all others and are not infinite; I know that.14

Here is my peace offering: It would be a much poorer world indeed, without Cinderella and the Grimm' brothers, without the legend of elves and unicorns and life after death with some sort of promised land promised to da good guys...a much poorer world indeed.15

I suspect that the subjective, relativistic world you advocate, is a necessary ingredient and a perfect foil to my objective, absolute concepts, so that humanity can, from time to time, lapse into a dream world and push reality aside for a moment.16

I also suspect those polar opposites also represent a gender differential, with the female being far more imaginative and fanciful than the male.17

Is that sufficient to gain at least a small uplift in the corners of your mouth? An admission from the old grump Amicus, that indeed, your point of view is valid and worthwhile?18

I hope so, cuz the hard part is next.19

Ayn Rand, to whom I refer often, was much less kind than I am, downright cruel, if I may.20

Her assertions were that evading and avoiding reality, the absolute, the real, is merely an attempt by a weak mind to avoid that which is and replace it with what one might wish to be. She further asserted that a continual quest of the unreal and the irrational will eventually and inevitably lead the human mind into a realm of insanity, an inability to recognize reality, to take up residence in a pretend and fantasy world that would eventually destroy the mind that did so.21

For most people in the world, the bell curve of the average ones, this makes little difference as they float from place to place without direction and do not care and perhaps are incapable of determining the extremes of either. I suggest that the world is mainly populated by this kind of people.22

I am not concerned with those.23

I am concerned about you.24

I suggest that one can suspend judgment, from time to time, in order to create, as many artists do, the unreal and dream world they desire. You know the history of art and artists as well as I do and the number who succumb to insanity or take their own lives, reflects to me, the danger of ignoring reality and the absolute nature of existence.25

I do not wish you to go down that path. Thus my attempts to rein you in to reality from time to time and my insistence that you at least comprehend the efficacy of my point of view even if it infuriates you to no end. (smiles) and I know it does.26

There is also the social, economic and environmental side of you, all derivative from your basic philosophy of relativism that guides your preferences that I have tried to refute from time to time, with no avail but, then, once, if you do, see the necessity of those who seek comprehension of the rational, the real and the absolute...that you too will reconsider some of your basic assumptions about the affairs of man in terms of the nature of man.27

But....that will come at a later time if at all.28

There are hundreds of books written about what I have tried to say in condensed form here and if I have failed to garner your attention with this little missal, then I do apologize...but I felt I had to give it a try when you weren't yelling back at stupid old me.29

much love and affection...30

Amicus John Cole
Author notes

My young friend I met on All Poetry at about age twelve. Genius IQ (175 plus) is now age 18 and in art college. Both a poet and a painter, this young person does not and has never accepted my views on absolute reality. Preferring to exist in a subjective, relative world in which all things are possible.

Far to the left, anti American, anti business, anti industrial, pro abortion, pro gay rights, pro labor unions, mandatory education, socialized medicine, the whole nine yards of left wing politics....as are many, if not most that I read yet today here on SW.

I begin to believe that something inherent in the artistic and/or feminine nature dictates this fuzzy mindset of relativism, so destructive of human individual values.

Sent this off just a few minutes ago and then thought to offer it up here for commentary.

Any one?
Please tell me what you think

Your verdict: , Your review:
(Check spelling) (Upgrade to gold for rich text editing)
<enter> starts a new paragraph. For a single newline, hold <shift>+<enter>
Since your text contains rich formatting, add <br> where you want a newline (or use the rich editor).

Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression?
Applaud: no Cost: 5 free left 0 points, You have 2920. (?) (Line numbers)
Ratings:

Please login or register to comment.

Registration is required because of issues with spam. It is fast and free! This author would LOVE to get a comment from you, please join!
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
Comment added. You earned points! Comments over 100 letters long (this was ) are eligible for points, which you can use to feature your work.

*

Amicus2K9 right now
Adding your comment:
*
WillyLee
58 minutes ago
Replaced 4 with 5 ?
Edit | Reply
I have thought some about this, also. The quick and dirty answer that works for me is that if you don't believe in objective reality, or truth, then you can't assert anything without contradicting yourself. Probably that is too simple to work for everyone. I know that if a tree falls and nobody hears it, it still makes a sound, just as I know that I am an independent individual. Those two things are closely connected, if not identical. "The subjective, relativistic world you advocate, is a necessary ingredient and a perfect foil.." That sounds about right to me, except that the subjective world is fashioned from elements of the objective world, and I don't think it ever works the other way around, but perhaps it does. There's just so many things we don't know, and we each have our individual abilities and experiences, so that almost every person knows something that nobody else knows. I guess reality is pretty real to me, especially when I do something dumb like stubbing my toe and it really hurts.

*
Apparition
April 19, 2008

Edit | Reply
Awww...you played the "feminine" card with fuzzy in the same sentence, but I would prefer to take it out of context. While this is not addressing the subject, I am just surprised that you think being of the feminine persuasion makes one fuzzy minded. (no offense)...but I shall have to think on that one.

And I am curious as to how your friend responded to that above. (Submitted, as always, with the utmost respect)...
Hope you are well.

Maddie

*

IntrepidFantasy Greeters member
April 5, 2008

Edit | Reply
Very interesting letter you have here and I am glad that things worked out for you and her I can see your points on a lot of things. I am pretty much a dreamer and I have always loved things such as fairytales, etc... Yes, I know they are not too realistic, but I still love them and I like adding in that kind of thing in my writing. Writing for me is really an escape from reality sometimes. Anyways, I love how you outlined everything in the letter and I can tell you care very deeply for your friend.
~Joann

*

Amicus2K9
April 5, 2008
Edit | Reply
Thankyou Lady Madeline...
...how wonderful to see your old name again and the writing coming forth as before.

She came on line this evening and talked for several hours, longer than she has for months before, avoiding, as always, replying to my message, but talking all around it, as she always does, her positions unchanged and unaltered, but willing to accept me as I am and remaining yet true to herself, a good thing I guess and I sense I do act as a tempering effect on her whimsical sometimes carefree view of things.

Although with her, I can speak at any level of language, I chose to be a little formal with a dab of informality from time to time as a ploy to coax a smile.

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, I appreciate that very much...

regards....

Amicus...


*

pathetic
April 4, 2008

Edit | Reply
Certainly interesting way of puttimg your care towards another in a way that surely couldn't infuriate the way words in an IM screen or in person could, and also can save you from the immediate snap bacl this girl would give.

Good work but, I hope she see's your care for her.

Alls,

Ebbunni

xxx

~~~

comments, as always are welcomed...

amicus