[MD] MD 4th level - The more autonomous level

[Platt Holden]

Good morning Arlo,

I don't know if you look at the NY Times on the Web regularly but if you 
do you must have noticed in today's book section a review of "A People's 
History of Science" by Clifford D. Conner. In it he argues as you do 
against the "Great Man" theory of history that I propound, arguing instead 
for the "Great Mass" theory that you advocate. You can read the review at:

 http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/18/books/review/18weiner.html

Not surprising to me Conner comes from a background of left-wing activism 
including "friendships he made back in the 1960's and 70's in trade union 
and antiwar movements." The reviewer also reveals, "The passion for class 
struggled that led him to his encyclopedic project makes his style as 
angry and inky as pamphleteer's" 'Magellan's death resulted from his own 
imperialistic belligerence.' 'Widespread malnutrition in poor countries 
underlies diseases responsible for tens of thousands of deaths every day.'

Of course there's no mention of Pirsig's levels or individual responses to 
DQ in Conner's book.  But because it's suggestive of our debate I thought 
you would find the review interesting.

Platt