[MD] Villains

[plattholden at gmail.com]

On 15 Aug 2009 at 20:47, OZ wrote:

> Thanks for the replies, folks.  John, I hope that the roller coaster ride
> you mentioned ends soon.
> 
> I seem to remember Pirsig discussing an example of right and wrong in "Lila"
> regarding an inner city neighborhood where biological African-Americans
> squared off against social ones.  I think he meant that the former were
> biological because their actions were intended to benefit themselves
> individually and biologically, perhaps for illicit drugs, etc.  This is
> similar to John's idea that villains strive to benefit a subjective self.

I think Pirsig meant the former were biological because they endorse 
and act on the biological value of might-makes-right.  

> Further, Marsha, I agree with Pirsig that our intellect and logic has made
> humans powerful but dangerous.
> 
> As far as who wins or who loses against villains, I came across an
> interesting section about that in ZAMM:
> 
> "I think that if we are going to reform the world, and make it a better
> place to live in, the way to do it is not with the talk about relationships
> of a political nature, which are inevitably dualistic...The place to improve
> the world is first in one's own hear and head and hands, and then work
> outward from there (267)."

Pirsig supports individualism as did the nation's Founding Fathers. But, 
the values of individual liberty and responsibility that made the U.S. the 
the most dynamic and prosperous nation in the world are under assault. 
Fortunately, citizens are fighting back in town halls all across the 
country.    

> I guess one shouldn't try to be a hero; one should try to *not* to try too
> much so that it is easier to sense Quality.

One should try to be a hero to preserve the highest value anyone has --
freedom from tyranny.

Regards,
Platt