[MD] Pirsig confirmed again

[Platt Holden]

Hi David M,

> Problem I have with this is that the dynamism of our
> modern economies feed the values that we hold.
> The problem being that these values are not intellectual,
> they are biological, consumerist, selling sex, entertainment,
> distraction, uneducated pleasure, unhealthy food, style 
> over substance, social status, etc. So the dynamism simply
> reinforces are current devolution. Probably accelerating our
> demise. 
> 
> Perhaps drinking a few coffees on the west bank at a very
> slow pace,talking about art and philosophy would do us
> more good.

I guess it depends on what you mean by intellectual values. More people 
are attending universities than ever before, so by that measure 
(assuming you think universities are intellectual enclaves), the 
picture you paint isn't so bleak. Art museums are enjoying record 
crowds, and books continue to sell well. As for human rights such as 
free speech born of intellectual values, they're still in reasonably 
good shape in the U.S. despite attempts by the left to smother 
dissenting opinion by smear tactics, e.g. comparing President Bush to 
Hitler. 

Those who wish to sip coffee and discuss art and philosophy need only 
come to this site. But, let us not consider ourselves superior because 
of our interest in such matters. That would smack of Rigel-like 
pretension  -- full of great ways for other to improve at no cost to 
ourselves.

Regards,
Platt