A Language Older than Words Ch. 10, 11, 12

Chapters 10, 11, and 12 of Jensen's A Language Older Than Words are quite short compared to previous chapters. Accordingly, they get right to the point without to much fluff or to many questionable anecdotes. This cannot be said for all of his writing, so it is refreshing to read something that cuts right to the core. The chapters are referred to as Economics, discussing theories of how the world's economy functions unjustly, The Goal is the Process, discussing how it should not be the wealth or the power that drives us but the process of life, and the Heroes, which is somewhat self explanatory.

Here's the breakdown. "Economics" the 10th chapter opens with the greek root of the work which translates to "the science of household management". The conclusion that Jensen immediately draws is that the majority of things that are healthy, moral, and positive do not make economic sense. Unfortunately though, we have begun to put an economic price on everything. This fact has lead to the conclusion that "money is valued over all else" and as a result the world has been degraded destroyed and life is not what it is meant to be. Jensen is unwavering in the idea that our economic system can only cause atrocities: "Make no mistake, our economic system can do no other than destroy everything it encounters." The chapter closes claiming that if we did everything on an individual level, unselfishly and with no concern with economic gain, then th world would be a lovely place. Here's why: "money perfectly manifests the desires of our culture."

Chapter 11 opens with a powerful quote: "What if the point instead is let go of that control?" The most powerful story that I have read throughout the entirety of this book is contained in this chapter. Jensen talks about how a girl in a class he was lecturing had and "aha" moment on the last day of class. He was standing at the board trying to write down everything they could remember from the semester. Some girl yells out " I get it... the point is that he can't tell us the point. The point is that we have to get it ourselves!" Jensen's reply was short and sweet: "There's nothing else I can teach you. Thank you. Have fun." That story pretty much sums up the chapter. He ends by talking about the dynamic between his fear and desire to blow up dams and breakdown the atrocities society has created.

The 12 chapter is filled with a whole bunch of stories. Although the previous two were right to the point, this final one called "Heroes" dances around the topic much more. Although confusing, I have come to this conclusion: Jensen believes that we need role models (admirable individuals) to leave behind "threads" for us to be guided by. Heroes could be people you respect, look up to, or appreciate their accomplishments. Regardless, they provide a great example to live by so that we might emulate those who have achieved in the past.

The feelings this set of readings invoked in me were strong and positive. Chapter 12 in particular was powerful because it touched on the idea of heroes. I've got some role models that have left threads behind for me that I follow and base my life around. The first two I got from attending catholic high school: St. Francis of Assis and St. Anthony of Padua. These two famous Franciscan Friars respected the earth, humanity, God, and life itself. Those are things I undoubtedly strive for. The other hero I emulate is my brother. He has fostered my education, my growth, and my desire to achieve/do good. The other thing I like about this section was chapter 11's notion that we need to let go. I think its important to give up on normal conventions and just live.

The connections to other readings are tough in this case. I initially had trouble finding someone else's work to draw on, but I the conclusion that I came to is that Mark Leahy's "Making Ourselves Miserable" seems relevant in this situation. Leahy uses all sorts of examples to prove his point that we are self-destructive, the Wizard of Oz in particular, but the connecting them is that we need to become aware of our shortcomings and avoid them. Jensen thinks our downfall is that we feel the need to be in control, Leahy thinkgs it is the "useless worry" that does us in. Regardless, both are aware of the fact that we are hurting ourselves unnecessarily.

In terms of application to real life, I will now be much more aware of my heroes, make a conscious effort to let go, and try to rebel against conventional economics. The common theme that runs true between all three is that our world has established detrimental norms, but there are ways around them. If we try hard enough, we can break away from our current economy that is ruining the world. If we try hard enough, we can let go of the control that we are addicted to. If we try hard enough, we can emulate the thread of role models that have set a positive precedent. I intend to work hard enough in all three of those areas.

Questions

How do you propose we break away from atrocious economics and move towards something that is healthy and sustainable?

How can I be a hero to others?