It just so happens that I had the pleasure of presenting on these three chapters. As a result, I have a pretty good grasp of the topics they address. Hopefully what I can do in this blog is take a right brained approach to discussing them From what I can tell, the majority of my blogs have been very left brained. Analysis in its essence is a left brained activity, so its not surprising that detailed analysis of every chapter turned into something left brained. Hopefully in discussing these three chapters, I can flex my right brained muscles seeing as I have an especially good
understanding of what I need to talk about.
The first chapter in this section, chapter 23, is entitled "The Plants Respond." Of all the chapters I have read up until this point, this one is the most thought provoking. No though provoking in a traditional sense (like what is the meaning of life) but thought provoking in this sense: can plants feel? Jensen discusses an encounter he had with a man named Cleve Backster. Backster's life changed on February 2, 1966 when he came to the conclusion that a plant felt pain. As a result, he has lived his life according to this finding day in and day out. The emotions and notions that Jensen introduced early on this book are directly supported by Backster's claims: "the world is alive and sentient." The applications are endless. If Backster can prove that plants have feelings for humans, for plants, and for other living creatures, then Jensen can utilize his research to support his own claims of talking coyotes and fowl. One more point I would like to touch on is the fact that Backsters research is not thought of as scientifically valid because he cannot validate it with repeatable research. The plant emotions are unpredictable and cannot be tracked. Tracking them would ruin them.
The next chapter deals with Jensen's horrific experience with Crohn's disease. As he opens the chapter with, "Not only did the bees die, but I died." His body was absolutely ravaged by the disease, but what it teaches is that Jensen needed to be taken to the edge to be reborn. This collapse leads to growth.
A few key themes from chapter twenty five are these: "Every creature on the planet must be hoping that our cultures awakening comes soon," and "waiting for kairos and the need for action." Essentially Jensen is trying to convey that all of the earth's populations are eager for death and rebirth, or maybe more accurately stated: change. This comes from self learning.
The emotions that these chapters bring about in me are that of sorrow, hope, and concern. First, I feel sorrow over the fact that Jensen and others have to come so close to death to change. Second, I feel hope over the fact that change seems ineviatable. We can't continue on like this, at some point we will learn from our mistakes and grow: our society has to be taken to the edge. Last, concern is for when this is going to happen. I am doomed? are my children doomed? Will change be too little too late.
The connection I see between this article and other class readings is from "Becoming a Vegetarian." The connection I see is that, both Jensen and this article discuss practices that humans partake in that are not sustainable. In the vegetarian article, we refuse to feed billions so that we can feed the cows that provide us meat. Likewise, Jensen brings up unsustainable practices. It seems as if we will have to come very close to societal death in order to see dramatic change.
These chapters have taught me three important things. First, that there are other beings that feel besides humans. Second, that I need to imbrace adversatey and stare death in the face if it ever approaches. Third, that the only way to bring about change for myself and society is through self learning.
Question:
How can someone who seems so devoted and correct in his analysis (the plant guy) be rejected by professionals?
What was almost dying like in terms of your mental health? Did you go crazy?
Friday, April 30, 2010
A Language Older Than Words Ch. 20, 21, 22
The following chapter from A Language Older Than Words, 20 - 22, are powerful as always. They reiterate the ideas about how change is painful and at times impossible. Regardless, Jensen intends to provide insight that will hopefully spark a positive and effective revolution.
Chapter 20, "A Turning Over", opens with a story about Jensen's discontent friend. He works three jobs, his wife works one, and their marriage is falling apart. Consequently, he sees no escape from the miserable cycle of a failing marriage. Jensen uses this as a springboard into a discussion about how apparent change is usually just the same old injustice masked by new leadership. The reason we are able to adapt to such injustice is the "major reason revolutions fail." Because as it is, "Amnesia, that most adaptable of all forms of adaptation" causes humans to live with atrocities: they work hard to forget instead of working hard for change. The most powerful example he brings up is of Jews in the courtyard of a Warsaw stadium. They sat in silence as they watched their brother-en machine gunned to death in front of their eyes. The ultimate problem is that we can't expect much different from the same society.
A life of my own is short and sweet, and so is this summary. Jensen talks about how liberating and experience it was to be a bee-keeper. He loved working for himself and he loved bees; accordingly it was the best of both worlds. Everything about the time he spent with the bees living out of his car was rewarding, enlightening and positive especially the dog that was truly impacted his life: "I can't imagine a better teacher."
Interconnection is a complex chapter, and in order to simplify things I will reference one story that sums it all up from chapter 22. Jensen talks about his Vietnamese dinner with George. The two of them went out to dinner and ordered lemon grass chicken, chile, and steamed vegetables. It seems simple enough, but here is where the interconnection comes in. Chicken that spans 5 states, oil that spans 5 countries, vegetables fused with ingredients from all over the world, and 10,000 chemicals. The ultimate conclusion that Jensen, and consequently the readers draw, is that there is something not right about "the complexity of the modern economy's web but also its destructiveness." In other words, this interconnection is not only amazing but also troubling.
The emotion these chapters instill in me is sorrow. Sorrow over the fact that our revolutions seem trivial, that the complexity of the world economy is a big problem, and all the while...we just need a job we love and a wise dog to keep us happy. I think that Jensen includes the short 21st chapter as a break from all of the heavy stuff he has been hitting us with and intends to continue to hit us with. The chapter preceding it discusses the murder of Jews while there peers remain silent, and the following chapter shows that even the simplest and genuine of meals contains disgusting combinations of unnatural ingredients. Its refreshing to hear that contentment is achievable if we remove ourselves from complex webs and fight troubling injustice. With that being said, the other two chapter were eye opening. The fact that revolutions may never have a significant impact because they are simply recycled means that we need to come up with a new form of change. Will that be possible though with the interconnectedness of the world economy?
The best intra-class connection to be made is from chapter 22, "Interconnection", and the article "Going Vegetarian". The article essentially makes this claim: simplify our diet and benefit the world. The stats it uses to back this up are as follows: if we all stopped eating meat, the grain that we saved could feed every person in the world with 3 pounds of grain per day (more than enough to survive) and everyone turning vegetarian would save 70 million gallons of gas (greenhouse gas prevention would be equal to that of France's total pollution). Those numbers are huge. I realize that Jensen doesn't necessarily condone turning vegetarian, but I think he would buy into this concept that we could save lives by changing our habits. Its also important to note that if we were eating natural vegetables, we would be reducing the interconnected economic web that plagues our society.
The application to may life is simple, and applicable by chapter. Ch. 20 teaches me to revolt in ways that are nontraditional. We can't just keep recycling the same ideals, because then the injustice just cycles through different leadership and never actually improves. At the heart of this is killing the silence that holds us down. Ch. 21 is lighthearted, telling me to follow my professional dreams, enjoy work that is fulfilling, and be aware of teachers that come in all forms (dogs in particular). The last chapter, 23, brings it home by condemning the interconnectedness of society. This ties in aspects from the first two (injustice, and happiness) and implies that if we can break away from the injustice of interconnectedness, it is then that we will be happy. All of these lessons will remain with me as attempt to break away from the contemporary economic practice and work to have my voice heard above the silence.
Questions
What is it about bees the Jensen finds so attractive? How do they help him develop so much that he references them every few chapters?
I'm confused what the difference between silence and pride is?
Chapter 20, "A Turning Over", opens with a story about Jensen's discontent friend. He works three jobs, his wife works one, and their marriage is falling apart. Consequently, he sees no escape from the miserable cycle of a failing marriage. Jensen uses this as a springboard into a discussion about how apparent change is usually just the same old injustice masked by new leadership. The reason we are able to adapt to such injustice is the "major reason revolutions fail." Because as it is, "Amnesia, that most adaptable of all forms of adaptation" causes humans to live with atrocities: they work hard to forget instead of working hard for change. The most powerful example he brings up is of Jews in the courtyard of a Warsaw stadium. They sat in silence as they watched their brother-en machine gunned to death in front of their eyes. The ultimate problem is that we can't expect much different from the same society.
A life of my own is short and sweet, and so is this summary. Jensen talks about how liberating and experience it was to be a bee-keeper. He loved working for himself and he loved bees; accordingly it was the best of both worlds. Everything about the time he spent with the bees living out of his car was rewarding, enlightening and positive especially the dog that was truly impacted his life: "I can't imagine a better teacher."
Interconnection is a complex chapter, and in order to simplify things I will reference one story that sums it all up from chapter 22. Jensen talks about his Vietnamese dinner with George. The two of them went out to dinner and ordered lemon grass chicken, chile, and steamed vegetables. It seems simple enough, but here is where the interconnection comes in. Chicken that spans 5 states, oil that spans 5 countries, vegetables fused with ingredients from all over the world, and 10,000 chemicals. The ultimate conclusion that Jensen, and consequently the readers draw, is that there is something not right about "the complexity of the modern economy's web but also its destructiveness." In other words, this interconnection is not only amazing but also troubling.
The emotion these chapters instill in me is sorrow. Sorrow over the fact that our revolutions seem trivial, that the complexity of the world economy is a big problem, and all the while...we just need a job we love and a wise dog to keep us happy. I think that Jensen includes the short 21st chapter as a break from all of the heavy stuff he has been hitting us with and intends to continue to hit us with. The chapter preceding it discusses the murder of Jews while there peers remain silent, and the following chapter shows that even the simplest and genuine of meals contains disgusting combinations of unnatural ingredients. Its refreshing to hear that contentment is achievable if we remove ourselves from complex webs and fight troubling injustice. With that being said, the other two chapter were eye opening. The fact that revolutions may never have a significant impact because they are simply recycled means that we need to come up with a new form of change. Will that be possible though with the interconnectedness of the world economy?
The best intra-class connection to be made is from chapter 22, "Interconnection", and the article "Going Vegetarian". The article essentially makes this claim: simplify our diet and benefit the world. The stats it uses to back this up are as follows: if we all stopped eating meat, the grain that we saved could feed every person in the world with 3 pounds of grain per day (more than enough to survive) and everyone turning vegetarian would save 70 million gallons of gas (greenhouse gas prevention would be equal to that of France's total pollution). Those numbers are huge. I realize that Jensen doesn't necessarily condone turning vegetarian, but I think he would buy into this concept that we could save lives by changing our habits. Its also important to note that if we were eating natural vegetables, we would be reducing the interconnected economic web that plagues our society.
The application to may life is simple, and applicable by chapter. Ch. 20 teaches me to revolt in ways that are nontraditional. We can't just keep recycling the same ideals, because then the injustice just cycles through different leadership and never actually improves. At the heart of this is killing the silence that holds us down. Ch. 21 is lighthearted, telling me to follow my professional dreams, enjoy work that is fulfilling, and be aware of teachers that come in all forms (dogs in particular). The last chapter, 23, brings it home by condemning the interconnectedness of society. This ties in aspects from the first two (injustice, and happiness) and implies that if we can break away from the injustice of interconnectedness, it is then that we will be happy. All of these lessons will remain with me as attempt to break away from the contemporary economic practice and work to have my voice heard above the silence.
Questions
What is it about bees the Jensen finds so attractive? How do they help him develop so much that he references them every few chapters?
I'm confused what the difference between silence and pride is?
A Language Older Than Words Ch. 13-15
Metamorphosis, Insatiability, and Violence are the one world titles of the next three chapters; all concise and all to the point. These chapters continue on with Jensen's style of anecdotes, stories, and bold climbs, each of which is effectively combined to drive his point across that the state of the world is in shambles. The main point that he continues to drive home though is that on an individual level we can continue to strive for change. Hopefully this change will help us revolutionize societal conventions and help us to work towards harmony.
Metamorphosis is mostly a discussion of plants, animals, and change. The first conclusion he draws is that we are often oblivious to the nature that surrounds us. The second story he tells is in reference to a swarm of lady bugs killing trees and aphids. Jensen talks about how he contemplates the various members of this interaction. Do the trees feel pain? Do the ladybugs feel growing pain? The conclusion that he comes to is that transitions by definitions invovle "pain. loss, sorrow, and even death." If we can survive this hardship we are given new life/vitality.
Insatiability is a word I had to look up in the dictionary. Turns out it means "unable to be satisfied". Hahaha, I guess I should have picked up on that from the root "satiable". Anways, this chapter addresses the fact that we cannot just keep refusing to acknowledge humanity's desire for more and more: "I don't know how much longer we can keep running." Our society as a whole uses money to fabricate truth and deny the pressing truth of our destruction. The word that Jensen repeatedly goes back to is "silencing". Silencing the natives to steal their land, silencing the voices that offer up dissent. The last aspect of this chapter deals with the "central question of our time: what are sane and appropriate responses to insanely destructive behavior." Writing letters doesn't seem to do the trick; it didn't work for Gandhi trying to stop Hitler so why would it work for Jensen? He boldly admits that if he could have killed his father....he would have. This proves that he condones extreme behavior if it brings about the desired ends.
Violence is a word that I do no the definition of, unlike insatiable. The words meaning is almost as straightforward as the chapter it describes: its about violence and murder. Right off the bat he puts forth the idea that "life feeds off life, and because every action causes a killing, the purpose of existence cannot be to simply avoid taking lives. All of the stories that follow are centered around the claim that those who destroy mus be stopped. The stories that he supports this with are all about taking "up the rifle" which makes it blatantly obvious that Jensen's solution is offensive. I don't think he necessarily condones murder, but is vehemently against continuing to be on the defensive: "we must struggle."
The first of these chapters was a light transition into the violence and pain that the other two encompass. Metamorphosis touches on pain, transition, and struggle but the subsequent two really bring it home with talk of murder and violence. It makes sense, and definitely ties with other claims that Jensen has made. From the beginning it has been his assertion that we must come close to the edge and make a triumphant return. There isn't much closer to the edge than murder and violence. Accordingly, it makes sense that Jensen would make these assertions about what how to stop those who destroy. I learned that extreme action needs to be taken to spark change, a fact that I have mixed emotions about.
The connection that I intend to make here is to the article entitled "Ten, Count'em Ten Uses for Parents". It might sound sick or cynical, but here are Jensen's "Two, Count'em Two Reasons for Violence." First off, it establishes that you mean business. Someone who has resorted to violence is not messing around. Although murder and other forms of action are not necessarily ideal, those whose attention you are seeking will undoubtedly take you seriously. The second reason is that it puts you on the offensive as opposed to the defensive. Without being on offense, you are much more vulnerable and susceptible to the attacks of your opponent.
I'm a little torn about what I should take from these three chapters. There is no situation in my life as of right now that constitutes violence in my opinion. What I can take from it though is that when there does come a time that I am passionate enough about something to step and take violent action in defense of it, I'll be ready. Perhaps one day I will be in a situation where are friend is being raped or assaulted. I will not sit back on the defensive, and attempt to never let it happen again. I will take up arms (metaphorically that is) and take offensive actions against my opposition. The difficult thing is that while Jensen is livid about enough injustices to take violent action in many situations, there is not that much that I feel strongly enough about to physical harm others. Because of that, I need to develop stronger ideals so that I do have something to fight for.
Questions
Is there a reason why children don't comprehend murder? If he had of killed his father, he would have gone to jail and never developed in the same way he did?
Is it wrong to identify the fact that transition and growing pains is a positive thing? Is it possible you could turn into a masochist because of it?
Metamorphosis is mostly a discussion of plants, animals, and change. The first conclusion he draws is that we are often oblivious to the nature that surrounds us. The second story he tells is in reference to a swarm of lady bugs killing trees and aphids. Jensen talks about how he contemplates the various members of this interaction. Do the trees feel pain? Do the ladybugs feel growing pain? The conclusion that he comes to is that transitions by definitions invovle "pain. loss, sorrow, and even death." If we can survive this hardship we are given new life/vitality.
Insatiability is a word I had to look up in the dictionary. Turns out it means "unable to be satisfied". Hahaha, I guess I should have picked up on that from the root "satiable". Anways, this chapter addresses the fact that we cannot just keep refusing to acknowledge humanity's desire for more and more: "I don't know how much longer we can keep running." Our society as a whole uses money to fabricate truth and deny the pressing truth of our destruction. The word that Jensen repeatedly goes back to is "silencing". Silencing the natives to steal their land, silencing the voices that offer up dissent. The last aspect of this chapter deals with the "central question of our time: what are sane and appropriate responses to insanely destructive behavior." Writing letters doesn't seem to do the trick; it didn't work for Gandhi trying to stop Hitler so why would it work for Jensen? He boldly admits that if he could have killed his father....he would have. This proves that he condones extreme behavior if it brings about the desired ends.
Violence is a word that I do no the definition of, unlike insatiable. The words meaning is almost as straightforward as the chapter it describes: its about violence and murder. Right off the bat he puts forth the idea that "life feeds off life, and because every action causes a killing, the purpose of existence cannot be to simply avoid taking lives. All of the stories that follow are centered around the claim that those who destroy mus be stopped. The stories that he supports this with are all about taking "up the rifle" which makes it blatantly obvious that Jensen's solution is offensive. I don't think he necessarily condones murder, but is vehemently against continuing to be on the defensive: "we must struggle."
The first of these chapters was a light transition into the violence and pain that the other two encompass. Metamorphosis touches on pain, transition, and struggle but the subsequent two really bring it home with talk of murder and violence. It makes sense, and definitely ties with other claims that Jensen has made. From the beginning it has been his assertion that we must come close to the edge and make a triumphant return. There isn't much closer to the edge than murder and violence. Accordingly, it makes sense that Jensen would make these assertions about what how to stop those who destroy. I learned that extreme action needs to be taken to spark change, a fact that I have mixed emotions about.
The connection that I intend to make here is to the article entitled "Ten, Count'em Ten Uses for Parents". It might sound sick or cynical, but here are Jensen's "Two, Count'em Two Reasons for Violence." First off, it establishes that you mean business. Someone who has resorted to violence is not messing around. Although murder and other forms of action are not necessarily ideal, those whose attention you are seeking will undoubtedly take you seriously. The second reason is that it puts you on the offensive as opposed to the defensive. Without being on offense, you are much more vulnerable and susceptible to the attacks of your opponent.
I'm a little torn about what I should take from these three chapters. There is no situation in my life as of right now that constitutes violence in my opinion. What I can take from it though is that when there does come a time that I am passionate enough about something to step and take violent action in defense of it, I'll be ready. Perhaps one day I will be in a situation where are friend is being raped or assaulted. I will not sit back on the defensive, and attempt to never let it happen again. I will take up arms (metaphorically that is) and take offensive actions against my opposition. The difficult thing is that while Jensen is livid about enough injustices to take violent action in many situations, there is not that much that I feel strongly enough about to physical harm others. Because of that, I need to develop stronger ideals so that I do have something to fight for.
Questions
Is there a reason why children don't comprehend murder? If he had of killed his father, he would have gone to jail and never developed in the same way he did?
Is it wrong to identify the fact that transition and growing pains is a positive thing? Is it possible you could turn into a masochist because of it?
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?
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?
Jensen 7-9
fghasdfkl Just as with the rest of his sections, Jensen makes some powerful assertions in chapters 7 through. The interesting thing is that for the first time that I can remember, he brings Jesus into the debate. Chapter 7, "Claims of Virtue" opens with a discussion of Jesus. The 8th chapter brings the reader back to the fact that we are intrinsically good. Finally, the 9th chapter "Breaking Out" makes the most bold claim so far in the book; that the reason for our worlds turmoil is not our selfishness. I will touch on all three of these chapters.
In Chapter 7, Jensen portrays church in a kind of negative light. He says it simply unites an unruly group of people and gives them a moral code that they should have developed themselves. Rape is the example given: the church says rape is wrong so we don't rape. Instead, we should be making conscious unhampered decision ourselves. This brings us once again back to the idea that there is communication between animals and various species that helps us all to cooperate and consequently succeed. The communication and cooperation breaks down when we lie to ourselves. Deforestation happens when and individuals to himself about the consequences, in light of the fact that it will be extremely beneficial financially. The chapter closes on another surprising attack on Christianity and religion. What spirituality boils down to that we believe what we are supposed or pressed to believe, when in actuality we should be developing our own beleifs.
Chapter 8 opens with a reference to Jensen's childhood experience with stars. He comments that "the message from the stars...that cruelty we take for granted is not natural...sustains me to this day. The subsequent points that he makes are in regard to the conventions of school. The terminology he uses is pretty stinging: " schol last thirteen years [because] it takes that long to sufficiently break a child's will". He believes that the primary function of school is not to educated, but to subdue the minds of young people and lead them away from experience. Jensen continues on with examples of how individuals across the world are subdued and controlled. Nazis controlled Jews by presenting them with choices that gave the allusion that they were controlling their own destiny. Later, the topic of interspecies communication is addressed: Jensen put a group of rodents out of their homes and in return they defecated on his sink. The chapter finally closes on an ominous note: "we can distance ourselves from the world of experience, sense, and emotion, or we can die."
The last chapter in this reading, "Breaking Out" first addresses the topic of selfishness. Jensen claims that "we would be better off if we were to act in our own best interest." This seems like a contradictory notion to everything we've ever been taught, but Jensen provides solid support: we have destroyed the world and done so under the guise that we were acting out of self-interest. Wrong, he says, we have simply been coercing others into doing what we want them to do. The truth is that exploiting others is not in our best interest and is thus not selfish. Other points made in this chapter include the fact that trauma lasts a very long time, if communicated with correctly animals can be utilized for our selfish needs, and that economics is the the horrific study of exploitation and blood.
Essentially, this portion of reading from a "A Language Older Than Time" says the same thing over three chapters: we shouldn't believe things that we are told to believe. Chapter seven addresses this topic by talking about god; we shouldn't not rape because Jesus says so, we should not rape because we have developed a set of morals that says its wrong. Chapter eight addresses this topic by talking about the injustices of school and other atrocities; we are subdued, controlled, and manipulated by those with more power. Chapter nine addresses this topic by refuting the common conception that the world has been ruined by selfishness; in fact, most of the injustices we participate in have no benefit to us at all.
As always, the classroom connections are endless to Jensen's work, but the most relevant on that I see is to Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self Reliance". In this piece of literature, Emerson addresses three topics that are extremely relevant to Jensen's discussion: independent thought, non-conformity, and variance. Here's an example of their the application. Jensen vehemently attacks school saying that it subdues the mind and promotes conformity. Emerson is on the exact same page, condemning those blindly believe and refuse to think for themselves. Emerson also talks about conforming to the norm can be detrimental to ones health and success. That is undoubtedly true when it comes to the idea of selfishness being the route of all evil. This idea is a commonly accepted them, and yet intrinsically wrong. We need to break away from such things.
Ultimately what I will take from this excerpt is that I need to think for myself. Both Jensen and those that can be referenced in support of his arguments are adamant in their view that conclusions, mindsets, and lifestyles need to come from within. Jensen first highlights this by condemning religion; he feels as if it stunts free thinking. He then continues on to highlight the ways in which school and society repress original thoughts and promote conformism. I don't know if I completely buy into the fact that religion and school are stunting our growth, but I definitely see what Jensen is going for. He is pointing out that their are societal conventions pushing us towards ends that we have not chosen for ourselves. As a result, I intend to be infinitely more aware of the ends that I am being pushed towards. I will no longer blindly follow what my superiors have laid out for me. I will be critical, questioning, and original to ensure that the best possible path is always the one that I am on.
Questions:
I am quite confused about this concept of selfishness? Could Jensen clarify a little better?
What are the positives of religion? Is Jensen religious? Is there something wrong with the fact that religion instills good morals from day one?
In Chapter 7, Jensen portrays church in a kind of negative light. He says it simply unites an unruly group of people and gives them a moral code that they should have developed themselves. Rape is the example given: the church says rape is wrong so we don't rape. Instead, we should be making conscious unhampered decision ourselves. This brings us once again back to the idea that there is communication between animals and various species that helps us all to cooperate and consequently succeed. The communication and cooperation breaks down when we lie to ourselves. Deforestation happens when and individuals to himself about the consequences, in light of the fact that it will be extremely beneficial financially. The chapter closes on another surprising attack on Christianity and religion. What spirituality boils down to that we believe what we are supposed or pressed to believe, when in actuality we should be developing our own beleifs.
Chapter 8 opens with a reference to Jensen's childhood experience with stars. He comments that "the message from the stars...that cruelty we take for granted is not natural...sustains me to this day. The subsequent points that he makes are in regard to the conventions of school. The terminology he uses is pretty stinging: " schol last thirteen years [because] it takes that long to sufficiently break a child's will". He believes that the primary function of school is not to educated, but to subdue the minds of young people and lead them away from experience. Jensen continues on with examples of how individuals across the world are subdued and controlled. Nazis controlled Jews by presenting them with choices that gave the allusion that they were controlling their own destiny. Later, the topic of interspecies communication is addressed: Jensen put a group of rodents out of their homes and in return they defecated on his sink. The chapter finally closes on an ominous note: "we can distance ourselves from the world of experience, sense, and emotion, or we can die."
The last chapter in this reading, "Breaking Out" first addresses the topic of selfishness. Jensen claims that "we would be better off if we were to act in our own best interest." This seems like a contradictory notion to everything we've ever been taught, but Jensen provides solid support: we have destroyed the world and done so under the guise that we were acting out of self-interest. Wrong, he says, we have simply been coercing others into doing what we want them to do. The truth is that exploiting others is not in our best interest and is thus not selfish. Other points made in this chapter include the fact that trauma lasts a very long time, if communicated with correctly animals can be utilized for our selfish needs, and that economics is the the horrific study of exploitation and blood.
Essentially, this portion of reading from a "A Language Older Than Time" says the same thing over three chapters: we shouldn't believe things that we are told to believe. Chapter seven addresses this topic by talking about god; we shouldn't not rape because Jesus says so, we should not rape because we have developed a set of morals that says its wrong. Chapter eight addresses this topic by talking about the injustices of school and other atrocities; we are subdued, controlled, and manipulated by those with more power. Chapter nine addresses this topic by refuting the common conception that the world has been ruined by selfishness; in fact, most of the injustices we participate in have no benefit to us at all.
As always, the classroom connections are endless to Jensen's work, but the most relevant on that I see is to Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self Reliance". In this piece of literature, Emerson addresses three topics that are extremely relevant to Jensen's discussion: independent thought, non-conformity, and variance. Here's an example of their the application. Jensen vehemently attacks school saying that it subdues the mind and promotes conformity. Emerson is on the exact same page, condemning those blindly believe and refuse to think for themselves. Emerson also talks about conforming to the norm can be detrimental to ones health and success. That is undoubtedly true when it comes to the idea of selfishness being the route of all evil. This idea is a commonly accepted them, and yet intrinsically wrong. We need to break away from such things.
Ultimately what I will take from this excerpt is that I need to think for myself. Both Jensen and those that can be referenced in support of his arguments are adamant in their view that conclusions, mindsets, and lifestyles need to come from within. Jensen first highlights this by condemning religion; he feels as if it stunts free thinking. He then continues on to highlight the ways in which school and society repress original thoughts and promote conformism. I don't know if I completely buy into the fact that religion and school are stunting our growth, but I definitely see what Jensen is going for. He is pointing out that their are societal conventions pushing us towards ends that we have not chosen for ourselves. As a result, I intend to be infinitely more aware of the ends that I am being pushed towards. I will no longer blindly follow what my superiors have laid out for me. I will be critical, questioning, and original to ensure that the best possible path is always the one that I am on.
Questions:
I am quite confused about this concept of selfishness? Could Jensen clarify a little better?
What are the positives of religion? Is Jensen religious? Is there something wrong with the fact that religion instills good morals from day one?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A Language Older Than Words Ch. 16-19
In this section of his book, Jensen continues to drop jaws with shocking statistics, bold claims, and subtly persuasive arguments. For the first time thus far I found myself not being skeptical with left brained thinking, but really starting to grasp Jensens message about the shocking state that our society is in. The reading covers four chapters, with a definite shift between chapters 17 and 18. Because these two distinct sections (16&17 and then 18&19), I will summarize these two parts and then break into an analysis of both.
Chapter 16, entitled the Parable of the Box, opens up by discussing the misconception that the rich man owns the right to resources and that all of the little people must abide by his rules. The example given is a man on top of box. he claims to own all the fish in the water. The poor people thus starve next to the river under the impression that this rich man really does own the fish, and their are soldiers that protect these lies with weapons. In actuality, the rich man has no right to these fish while his fellow man starves. Jensen breaks into a discussion about how successful or "good countries" have a system where wealth is funneled from the rich to the poor. "Bad countries" function under the principle that we must do whatever it takes gain power, and then whatever it takes to maintain that power. Chapter 17, entitled Violence Revisited, continues by addressing the idea of assassination attempts. Jensen brings up the idea that even if we were to kill the men in power that are destroying the world, there would be several men waiting in line to take their position. Hitler for example. Even if we could have killed him, there was a laundry list of people waiting to take his spot as commander of the Nazi regime. Besides, if we had killed him then we are just as bad as him: murderers. Jensen then breaks into a numbers analysis of plutononiam. Basically the message he is trying to get across is that we have created a deadly element that didn't exist naturally, and now we are risking killing our entire population just to utilize this element. For instance, the probe sent to explore venus could have exploded on lift off, infecting 5 billion people. The last bit of this chapter deals with utilizing anger in a positive manner.
Chapter 17, coercion, talks about exactly that: coercion. The opening few paragraphs talk about the fact that Jenson is "pretty fucked up" and consequently he has all sorts of questions with no viable answers. If her weren't to pose these questions though, we would just maintain our ignorance. Talk of coercion is in reference to the idea that we feel the need to convince others that we are right. We coerce them with our philosophical views, our applied sciences, our economics, our legal system, our politics, our child rasing, and so on. One great example of this coercion is how his father coerced everyone into thinking his beatings were justified. This clears the conscious of the one doing the coercing while justifying him legally. Another example of coercion is wage slavery. The only saving grace is the good will of a small number of us humans we refuse to rape or coerce. The last chapter, chapter 18 Honeybees, revisits the idea of interspecies communication. It starts off with an anecdote about a dog who wouldn't listen, and some cats who would (but only if jensen played by the rules). The second half though is about bee keeping and Jensen's affinity towards insects. The conclusion drawn is that cooperation with such creatures can bring joy, honey, and satisfaction from hard work. The ever present theory to live by: treat them as you would want to be treated.
As always, Chapters 16, 17, 18 and 19 of Derek Jensen's Book insight some very strong feelings in me. The interesting thing though is that this is the first section of "A Language Older Than Words" that has not left me skeptical. On the contrary, the words found in this chapter really had me believing in Jensen's message. The statistics about defense spending and wasted research funds made me drop my jaw to the floor. I was appalled at the fact that we could be saving millions of lives for the same price as it costs to build a bomber airplane. The other important thing I learned was the concept about the hording of resources; how one man prevents others from fishing in a river that is clearly not his. This references giant monopolies (ie. utility companies) and oligopolies (ie. phone companies) and how they leave the rest of the world starving and in need. The problem is that they control resources that should be readily available to the public, and yet their tyrannical control over such resources results in population suffering. My mind isn't necessarily changed on the topic, its more that my eyes have been opened to the injustices.
In terms of application to the real world (the big picture), I think that the American's conquest of the Indians ties right in. When the colonists arrived in the states, they stumbled upon a foreign land where they knew and owned nothing. Coexisting and interacting with the Natives would have been perfectly moral and good for the state of the US, but the colonists quickly chose to conquer and exploit the local tribes. As time passed, the white's conquest of Indians escalated at an extremely rapid pace, culminating in the 1830's trail of tears and the current Native American oppression we maintain. Just like in the rich man and the fish story, the Colonists thought they were entitled to the land that they had discovered. Using force and intimidation, the Colonists successfully convinced the Indians, just like the rich man convinced the hungry, that the states intrinsically belonged to them. Despite the fact that they were wrong about this ownership, their disillusions and military skill allowed them to dictate how American soil was allotted. Both Jensen and I are appalled by this injustice. There is nothing that says that starving individuals cannot fish in that river, and accordingly there is nothing that says the Indians were not entitled to the Americas. We must work to ensure that such authoritarian systems are not allowed to unlawfully claim and exploit common resources.
Application to my life is difficult when it comes to this reading, but essential none the less. Although I personally do not prevent others from obtaining resources they are entitled to or coerce individuals politically, philosophically, or legally, I CAN work to prevent others from doing so. For example, one big injustice that I personally have worked to correct is Notre Dame's food service practices, and I intend to maintain my efforts to fix such problems. In my opinion, the manner in which food is distributed at our school is extremely dictatorial. There are no viable alternatives to the norm, there is no competition in place that pushes prices lower, and their is no student representation advising the administrators on how to fix these problems. Thus NDFS (Notre Dame Food Services) is the man on top of the box or the white colonist conquering the Native Americans. Based on my knowledge and understanding of Jensen's work, I intend to continue my pursuit of curing food service injustices at Notre Dame. The key is that at some point these tyrants must be stood up to, because unchecked they will continue to take advantage of those they control. Action against them removes this control and leads to a more balanced equilibrium. In my specific case, I hope that opposition to NDFS's practices will lead to meal plans that better cater to the needs of every student.
Questions -
Why was the extra work to tend the spread out bees not with the increase in productivity?
How can coercion be spotted on a daily basis? Are there lesser forms of coercion that are ok? Such as persuasion?
Are there any cases where killing on man WOULD save many lives? Perhaps a serial killer who functions alone?
Chapter 16, entitled the Parable of the Box, opens up by discussing the misconception that the rich man owns the right to resources and that all of the little people must abide by his rules. The example given is a man on top of box. he claims to own all the fish in the water. The poor people thus starve next to the river under the impression that this rich man really does own the fish, and their are soldiers that protect these lies with weapons. In actuality, the rich man has no right to these fish while his fellow man starves. Jensen breaks into a discussion about how successful or "good countries" have a system where wealth is funneled from the rich to the poor. "Bad countries" function under the principle that we must do whatever it takes gain power, and then whatever it takes to maintain that power. Chapter 17, entitled Violence Revisited, continues by addressing the idea of assassination attempts. Jensen brings up the idea that even if we were to kill the men in power that are destroying the world, there would be several men waiting in line to take their position. Hitler for example. Even if we could have killed him, there was a laundry list of people waiting to take his spot as commander of the Nazi regime. Besides, if we had killed him then we are just as bad as him: murderers. Jensen then breaks into a numbers analysis of plutononiam. Basically the message he is trying to get across is that we have created a deadly element that didn't exist naturally, and now we are risking killing our entire population just to utilize this element. For instance, the probe sent to explore venus could have exploded on lift off, infecting 5 billion people. The last bit of this chapter deals with utilizing anger in a positive manner.
Chapter 17, coercion, talks about exactly that: coercion. The opening few paragraphs talk about the fact that Jenson is "pretty fucked up" and consequently he has all sorts of questions with no viable answers. If her weren't to pose these questions though, we would just maintain our ignorance. Talk of coercion is in reference to the idea that we feel the need to convince others that we are right. We coerce them with our philosophical views, our applied sciences, our economics, our legal system, our politics, our child rasing, and so on. One great example of this coercion is how his father coerced everyone into thinking his beatings were justified. This clears the conscious of the one doing the coercing while justifying him legally. Another example of coercion is wage slavery. The only saving grace is the good will of a small number of us humans we refuse to rape or coerce. The last chapter, chapter 18 Honeybees, revisits the idea of interspecies communication. It starts off with an anecdote about a dog who wouldn't listen, and some cats who would (but only if jensen played by the rules). The second half though is about bee keeping and Jensen's affinity towards insects. The conclusion drawn is that cooperation with such creatures can bring joy, honey, and satisfaction from hard work. The ever present theory to live by: treat them as you would want to be treated.
As always, Chapters 16, 17, 18 and 19 of Derek Jensen's Book insight some very strong feelings in me. The interesting thing though is that this is the first section of "A Language Older Than Words" that has not left me skeptical. On the contrary, the words found in this chapter really had me believing in Jensen's message. The statistics about defense spending and wasted research funds made me drop my jaw to the floor. I was appalled at the fact that we could be saving millions of lives for the same price as it costs to build a bomber airplane. The other important thing I learned was the concept about the hording of resources; how one man prevents others from fishing in a river that is clearly not his. This references giant monopolies (ie. utility companies) and oligopolies (ie. phone companies) and how they leave the rest of the world starving and in need. The problem is that they control resources that should be readily available to the public, and yet their tyrannical control over such resources results in population suffering. My mind isn't necessarily changed on the topic, its more that my eyes have been opened to the injustices.
In terms of application to the real world (the big picture), I think that the American's conquest of the Indians ties right in. When the colonists arrived in the states, they stumbled upon a foreign land where they knew and owned nothing. Coexisting and interacting with the Natives would have been perfectly moral and good for the state of the US, but the colonists quickly chose to conquer and exploit the local tribes. As time passed, the white's conquest of Indians escalated at an extremely rapid pace, culminating in the 1830's trail of tears and the current Native American oppression we maintain. Just like in the rich man and the fish story, the Colonists thought they were entitled to the land that they had discovered. Using force and intimidation, the Colonists successfully convinced the Indians, just like the rich man convinced the hungry, that the states intrinsically belonged to them. Despite the fact that they were wrong about this ownership, their disillusions and military skill allowed them to dictate how American soil was allotted. Both Jensen and I are appalled by this injustice. There is nothing that says that starving individuals cannot fish in that river, and accordingly there is nothing that says the Indians were not entitled to the Americas. We must work to ensure that such authoritarian systems are not allowed to unlawfully claim and exploit common resources.
Application to my life is difficult when it comes to this reading, but essential none the less. Although I personally do not prevent others from obtaining resources they are entitled to or coerce individuals politically, philosophically, or legally, I CAN work to prevent others from doing so. For example, one big injustice that I personally have worked to correct is Notre Dame's food service practices, and I intend to maintain my efforts to fix such problems. In my opinion, the manner in which food is distributed at our school is extremely dictatorial. There are no viable alternatives to the norm, there is no competition in place that pushes prices lower, and their is no student representation advising the administrators on how to fix these problems. Thus NDFS (Notre Dame Food Services) is the man on top of the box or the white colonist conquering the Native Americans. Based on my knowledge and understanding of Jensen's work, I intend to continue my pursuit of curing food service injustices at Notre Dame. The key is that at some point these tyrants must be stood up to, because unchecked they will continue to take advantage of those they control. Action against them removes this control and leads to a more balanced equilibrium. In my specific case, I hope that opposition to NDFS's practices will lead to meal plans that better cater to the needs of every student.
Questions -
Why was the extra work to tend the spread out bees not with the increase in productivity?
How can coercion be spotted on a daily basis? Are there lesser forms of coercion that are ok? Such as persuasion?
Are there any cases where killing on man WOULD save many lives? Perhaps a serial killer who functions alone?
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