[MD] A fine mess

[Andre Broersen]

Hi Khoo, didn't realise we are nearly neighbours!

You say:

I used to think and I still subscribe to the idea that no institution on
earth gives you an education.
A good education is something to you give yourself.

Andre:

Could not agree with you more (i.e.where has the Quality gone?) and in this
sense hope that your 'prediction' that SOM will be the human condition is
wrong.
A good education is something to give yourself. Yes, with the assistance of
others and I remember (in my younger days) doing this through trial and
error, being ridiculed and declared 'strange' in the peculiar sense and felt
quite lonely as a result. BUT now there are 2 books for reference, guidance
and inspiration. And I am still educating myself.
But you are also hinting at something deeper and this is very important. In
ZMM, do you remember where Phaedrus nearing the de Weese's, relates the
story of the faulty light switch, the logical solution to which Phaedrus
alludes, leaves de Weese completely confused and Phaedrus apologetically
saying 'you have to have some familiarity'. I think it is the basis of this
'familiarity' that is not present in our young people today. It leaves them
confused (and empty).
Perhaps you also anticipated my relating the way the Chinese system deals
with their children?
I do hear sparks of hope Khoo, these kids are whipped,lashed and beaten,(
corporeal punishment, though 'officially' banned is common practice,
especially at primary school level) their minds numbed and repressed but the
Quality 'idea' is still present in them.This cannot be killed. Pirsig
appealed to a mass presence felt by every human being on earth where in some
parts it is allowed (through culturally acceptable forms) to be expressed
and in some parts it isn't... . Doesn't mean it is not there. (Every child
knows what Quality is!!).
'Some all alone, some in two's, some gathered together in bands, the
bleeding hearts and artists make their stand, and when they have given their
all, some stagger and fall, after all it is not easy, banging your head at
some mad (SOMíst) wall. A free interpretation of Pink Floyd's (The Wall).
Hope is all we have at present, some of us put it into practice, we talk to
our friends, family, neighbours and this Discuss. Thank Pirsig for having
given us a sound, rational voice...and plenty of food for thought. Never
throw anything away and never give up.

Kind regards
Andre