[MD] Trance state

[Platt Holden]

Hi Steve, 

[Ian] 
 >> (BTW Platt has not been a bogey-man for at least 3 years. Took a
> while
> >> to work out exactly what he was; he's an ignoramus pure and simple.
> >> He's still the only person on MD ... or any discussion forum .... I
> >> see in that light. Plenty of pains in the neck, but only one
> >> ignoramus. I'd just leave Platt out of this, if you want to you and I
> >> to make progress.)
> >
> 
> Platt:
> > Ah yes, name calling -- the last refuge of the desperate.
> >

[Steve] 
> I agree, Platt. Such name-calling is completely inappropriate. I've 
> always valued our discussions, and you've written some beautiful things 
> about the MOQ. I've often though that without you keeping the 
> discussion going and focused on Pirsig's actual words and giving many 
> of us someone intelligent to disagree with, that this forum would have 
> degenerated into wooly-headed New Age nonsense long ago.

Thanks, Steve. I appreciate your kind words. Generally speaking I think the 
level of discussion on this site is light years above that of other 
websites devoted to discussing philosophy. We have Pirsig to thank for 
that. Not only does his metaphysics attract those willing to entertain new 
ideas without going New Age berserk, but his civil tongue appeals to our 
better natures. Regardless of the challenge, he has never to my knowledge 
been provoked into hurling invective at his critics. I wish I could say the 
same.

Regards,
Platt