[MD] Pirsig the Prophet

[MarshaV]

At 03:18 PM 8/20/2007, you wrote:
>Quoting MarshaV <marshalz at charter.net>:
>
> > Platt,
> >
> > A free enterprise might promote something
> > dynamic, but it does not help youngster develop
> > high values.  When Chris asked Phædrus what he
> > should be when he grew up, he was told honest,
> > not an entrepreneur.
>
>I disagree. In a free market a dishonest entrenpreneur won't last long. "You
>can fool some of people some of the time . . ." etc. Anyway, who do you think
>makes motorcycles? And paints? And brushes? And canvases?

Free markets are like unicorns, they don't 
exist.  A dishonest entrepreneur can last a very 
long time.  And dishonest people in corporations 
have done big-time damage to tens-of-thousands of 
people. I would prefer my motorcycles, paints, 
brushes and canvases be made by artists.



> > Your point-of-view is so
> > entangled with economics that you don't seem to
> > be able to see the forest for the trees.
>
>How so?

Economics is like a religion of money.  You were 
indoctrinated when a young boy, and that 
point-of-view has been reinforced ever since.  If 
that is not true, give me some alternative 
suggestions to what might hold a people together and bring them contentment.


> > I think
> > self-respect, self-esteem and self-discipline
> > should taught.
>
>Self-esteem and self-respect come from achievement.

Might self-esteem and self-respect come knowing 
you have value?  Or from knowing you are a part of a world that has value?


> > And if you possess those factors,
> > you will see them in others.  It's time to move
> > beyond considering consumerism as the primary force in the world.
>
>I prefer consumerism as a force rather than government as a force. Don't you?

I'm not too keen on either of those two 
choices.  I prefer sailing or gardening to both.


> > And I don't think I might be wrong.
>
>I think you might be.

No, no.


Marsha