Faux Fu

Saturday, March 12, 2005

"Why do we have a mind, if not to get our own way?" - Dostoyevsky

It seems clear to me that the best of our thought, (art and science) is founded on 'descriptions,' of the world. To try to precisely describe anything, from a face to a universe, opens the door to strange and wonderful discoveries. This is inevitable, because of course, the world is strange and wonderful.

Now, is the sentence above a description or an opinion? It seems to me to be a little of both, but if it is an opinion, it is 'open-ended.' In contrast, much of the world seems to consist of those who have 'made up their minds,' especially via religion and politics. See also, the Endless Chattering Classes, who have an opinion on everything (no knowledge about anything is required to join). These are the people who have made up their minds (closed the door) on all issues great and small. Somehow it has become a virtue to spout opinions day and night on any and all subjects. Once an opinion has been rendered, no futher investigation is necessary!

So, today I'm looking at the world between these particular lenses: those able to look at the world, willing to attempt to accurately describe it (a difficult task), and those who look at the world and only see their opinions of it (much easier). I'm thinking the more difficult road, may be the more rewarding. Just my opinion!

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