[MD] Letter to Bodvar Skutvik From Robert M Pirsig, September 15, 2000

[Ron Kulp]

Bo now:
What is a non-cultural definition of INTELLECT? When I (thanks to
you) read my SOL essay again I'm struck of its quality: This one for
instance

    "What screws it all up is the notion of a mind doing the 
    intellectualization, while it's intellect that does the 
    mind/matter-ization"

Ron:
While you are correct for attributing mind/matter to analytic method,
you miss the mark in believing that analytic method defines the
whole phenomena of abstract thought.
Here is my non-cultural definition of intellect:
The intellectual level is defined by the social level values it 
emerges from. I think you'll find Pirsig says something very
similar. 

Western culture values analytical method and defines intellect using
it's standards.

Bo continues on about his conceited self:
... is a gem (according to my conceited self) and why this point evades
you (all)  is a mystery. But some day there must arrive a thinker (with
the credentials that makes it impossible to ignore him) who will take up
the challenge.  


Next instalment coming soon

Ron:
Looking forward

Thanks Bo