[MD] Problems with Intellectual control of Society

[plattholden at gmail.com]

All:

Speaking of intellectual control there's a wonderful article entitled 
"These Foolish Things" that tells how intellect (wisdom) can can make 
us into ". . . the Unsuspecting Fool -- a sovereign, a pedantic scholar, a 
pillar of the establishment who -- who is blind to his own vanity and self-
importance, ignorant of what's really going on, puffed up with hubris." 
Two other types of fools are described in the article: "Real Fools and 
Professional Fools." Each carry life advantages over the wise man, as 
explained in the article's summary: 

" The English author Water Pater suggested that we should seek 
experience itself, rather than the fruit of experience, i.e., wisdom . . .  It's 
important for human beings to make mistakes, to do stupid things, to go 
overboard, to be foolish -- even if it's painful -- and not to judge 
themselves to harshly when they've been burnt. As Zorba the Greek 
used to proclaim, "Life is trouble."

The article ends, "In other words, meine Damen and Herren, life is a 
cabaret. What is the use of sitting alone in your room? Come here the 
music play! And then, if you're really wise -- or do I mean foolish? -- you 
might as well dance."

The full article, very entertaining in it's critique of intellect, is at:

http://www.incharacter.org/article.php?article=169

Regards,
Platt