[MD] Pirsig's idea of the individual

[Ron Kulp]

Ant quotes:
[130] "The word 'I' like the word 'self' is one of the trickiest words 
> in any metaphysics. Sometimes it is an object, a human body; sometimes

> it is a subject, a human mind. I believe there are number of 
> philosophic systems, notably Ayn Rand's 'Objectivism,' that call the 
> 'I' or 'individual' the central reality. Buddhists say it is an 
> illusion. So do scientists. The MOQ says it is a collection of static 
> patterns capable of apprehending Dynamic Quality. I think that if you 
> identify the 'I' with the intellect and nothing else you are taking an

> unusual position that may need some defending."
> 
> 
> "It's important to remember that both science and Eastern religions 
> regard 'the individual' as an empty concept. It is literally a figure 
> of speech. If you start assigning a concrete reality to it, you will 
> find yourself in a philosophic quandary."

-Richard Shain:
The process of mental maturation is dependent on experiences that make
possible the deepening of consciousness, although they do not guarantee
it. Experiences can be had at every level of existence, ranging from
climbing Mt. Everest to reading Plato. The common denominator is
increasing depth of consciousness. The oracles of antiquity: "know
yourself," "become what you are," "living according to one's physis,"
all were concerned with deepening of consciousness. A genuine philosophy
concerns itself with these questions, not with the futile effort at
reductionist analyses of the mind."

Dwai:
The problem I've seen over and over again on this board is the tendency
to try and reduce everything to "intellectual" ruminations.

Ron:
Expanding the scope of awareness

expands that phenomena of self.

 

To be clear, he is not saying the self does not exist or it is not
important
he is saying that the self is a collection of rigid value patterns that
loosen with the
expansion of awareness.