posted April 14, 2006 04:06 PM              

Curiosity and the Cat

"We live amid surfaces,
and the true art of life
is to skate well on them."
- Emerson

The philosopher is punished for his impertinence.

Lifting the skirt of Nature, he finds her nude; all one color, all one shape. Can he look again on her clothed figure, and not desire her to strip? Can he traffic in the world of appearances, without imagining the underlying truth? Is he not perpetually thwarted by the convoluted trappings of her garb, which confront him always and everywhere, and must be torn aside?

Emersons thinks Nature is the coyest of mistresses, and will not reveal her mysteries. But, the truth is, Emerson sated his appetite upon her naked form. He satisfied himself, and grew weary of her cheap disclosures. It was only then that he learned to appreciate her garments, for what they concealed, as much as for what they disclosed.

He feels guilty for having raped her, or, rather, for having seduced her in her openness and innocence. He could not love her, free as she was, and, so, must imagine her demurring from his imperious gaze. He gives her back her clothes, hurries her out the door, and hopes to run into her again, when she is properly done up. Then he affects not to recognize her, so as to flirt like a young thinker, and begin the seduction once more. He purposely induces ignorance, diverts his gaze, and calls it modesty, or, "living in the world".

He tells us the knots of her bodice cannot be untied.
But he means they are not to be untied.
He bids us take pleasure in the journey,
and ushers us down various, decorous detours.

It is not that there is nothing to be discovered.
It is that discovery, for Emerson, precedes boredom,
and, to his mind, a man had better be ignorant than bored.

posted April 14, 2006 04:18 PM              

Cheers,

posted April 15, 2006 04:37 PM              

Is any Purity-- whether earthly or universally ever Free from the imprints of humanity's morbid touch?

posted April 15, 2006 08:56 PM              

judge this,
hsc

posted April 16, 2006 01:13 AM            

"Tomorrow is another day " - from the Movie , Gone with the Winds.

I have been thru it too.

Your earlier quote on Emerson was very refreshing. Reminded me of Ramakrishna paramhamsa and I believe the Goddess Kali used to appear to him naked and he used to question her "Oh mother! Aren't you ashamed. You have no clothes no. Ornaments."

Interesting parallel there by Emerson. Loved it.

I don't wish to advise you as I myself become weak sometimes not always, to follow the same advice

But anyways I believe I should still say it.
Here goes:

quote:

---

You do not consist of any of the elements -- earth, water, fire, air, or even ether. To be liberated, know yourself as consisting of consciousness, the witness of these.

---

quote:

---

Righteousness and unrighteousness, pleasure and pain are purely of the mind and are no concern of yours. You are neither the doer nor the reaper of the consequences, so you are always free

---

....Don't wish to bombard all here...it looses the meaning, in my opinion. Beautiful things comes in small packets.

quote:

---

Since God is All, Is he not also a garbage bin? Go dump your frustrations in it.

---

posted April 16, 2006 10:15 AM              

Your words are very healing, very kind.
I didnt mean to worry anyone.
Just venting.
Actually, it went downhill from there
for an hour or so, but after that
it was basically out of my system.
Lunar, changeable, etc.

I do so appreciate the people here,
for being so understanding,
and allowing me to express that side of myself.
Bless Your Fine Heart.

Mannu -

What a very nice post you directed to me.
I thank you kindly, from the bottom of this heart,
which I can hardly call my own.

You are a teacher, you know,
and you have every right to honor that part of you.
Emerson also says that we are blessed with differring gifts;
and, the ability to follow advice
need not accompany, and, in fact,
is rarely found in company with,
the ability to impart it.
Please, do not dishonor your virtues
in the name of that which is (or seems) imperfect in you.

All the quotes you shared are very appreciated.
Thank you.

posted April 16, 2006 11:53 AM              

That can be good thing my friend.
Ever notice how when things seem the darkest...the glimmers of light suddenly become clearer in that terrible abysmal place?
Ever notice how sometimes we need to hit bottom, because when the bottom has been found, one has no choice but to rise up?
We can learn so much in that low dark place.
Soon it can become even calming and womblike and allow us a rebirthing of self. We can rebirth ourselves over and over. Retreating into the safe place, beyond the darkness, and there we can heal or at least rest for awhile.
I am listening my friend.
And if you wish...our mutual friend can tell you how to find me privately.
In my youth I was in much the same state as you. Different conditions, but similar in ways.
I do undertand.

posted April 16, 2006 12:49 PM            

Wow you made my day today. Wonderful insights.

posted April 16, 2006 04:14 PM              

Thank you,
for those wise and beautiful words.

"Ever notice how when things seem the darkest...the glimmers of light suddenly become clearer in that terrible abysmal place?"

Yes. Thats what happened.
I was feeling so bad, thought I'd just go to bed, even though I wasnt tired, but, because I was feeling lonely, I thought I might check my mail one last time....

This girl whom I had written to, a stranger, had replied to me. I had written her this spontaneous, absolutely childlike, innocent, sincere, and flattering email, and had suggested she take a look at my profile, and, if she felt we could relate to each other, drop me a reply.

So, I see her name in my inbox, and I'm thinking, "It must be good news, otherwise, she wouldnt have replied, right?" And, my mood lifts a little, because it had been over a week and I didnt think she would reply.

So, I open the email, and its this vicious rant, and she's telling me what a "fake" and a "dick" and a "dork" I am, and how "its so obvious" that I send that email to all the girls, etc.

It was like a shock to my system. I was already so depressed. Suddenly, my pulse was through the roof. Besides the fact that it was vicious, and it hurt, it was so cynical and distrustful, and it totally delivered a blow to my faith in human nature. Also, it made me think how ridiculously idealistic I am sometimes in my attempts to communicate on a high level with strangers. And I felt pretty stupid. Her profile made her sound like a kind, intelligent, even spiritual person. And here she was being so mean. And she had the nerve to call ME a fake. lol!

Anyway, my mood shifted pretty suddenly to feeling okay about myself. For one thing, her reaction was just so unexpected, I couldnt even get very upset, it was like I was just in shock. Then, I just felt compassion for myself, because, on top of everything else that was getting me down, here I had made a beautiful gesture, and been socked in the gut for it.

So, of course, I sent her this long email, and tore her a new a$$hole, very reasonably, mind you. I said, "You are wrong, incidentally, but I dont care what you believe. I am an amazing person, but I guess you'll never know," and a lot of insightful things. I tried really hard not to be emotional, but to make my point, and let her know how her cynicism and meanness had affected me. I said, "God, I dont want to be mean. You have no idea. I feel sorry for you, and I dont mean that as a dig. I dont know who betrayed you, to make you so distrustful, but I'm sorry for it." She also mentioned liking the Beattles (on her profile), and I couldnt resist saying, "I'm sure John, Paul, George, and Ringo would be proud of how you dealt with me in such short order. 'All you need is love,' right?"

Anyway, that's the last time I try to make friends. lol

Just kidding. Her problem, not mine. I can take it.
I'm not going to let that bull$hit
form a crust around my heart.

i'll be in touch,
HSC

Mannu,

Thank you.

posted April 17, 2006 10:15 AM              

You said this girl you had the row with is a "stranger". I am not sure what is going on.
Do I know her?

My friend, would you rather speak of these things in private?
Let me know please.

posted April 17, 2006 10:22 AM              

Origins

Honest and for True
by John Collins

I saw an old Greek fellow wandering the streets the other evening holding a lantern out in front of himself, scanning the storefronts, alleyways, and passing cars. He looked kind of disappointed. I can't say as I blame him.

I don't mean to be a Cynic, but I think Diogenes' task of finding an honest man was probably a lot easier in his day than it is in ours. In fact, dishonesty and deception are so pervasive in today's society that we've constructed entire lexicons of larcenous and libelous language for the everyday use of politicians, lawyers, and ex-football stars.

As you've probably guessed, this issue's Origins focuses on honesty. This is apropos, actually, since the main purpose of the column is to help uncover the truth behind everyday sayings. Now, time to get to the Naked Truth.

But what is Truth, really, and why is it naked. Well, Truth, it seems, is a tall, skinny fellow, slightly balding, with a protruding Adam's apple, very scholarly and, of course, modest and reserved, though occasionally a little self-righteous. One day, lo these many years agone, Truth and his rather slovenly counterpart, Falsehood, were strolling together through the woods (they were often together, as they are quite dependent on each other — what is the light of Truth, after all, without the darkness of Falsehood against which to compare it?). They were chatting amiably, as was their wont, though not paying much attention to each other:

Truth: "Beauty is truth, truth beauty — that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need know."

Falsehood: "Truth, sir, is a cow, which will yield people no more milk, and so they are gone to milk the bull."

Truth: "If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people."

Falsehood: "In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity, is the vital thing."

Their friendly discourse was interrupted by the appearance of a lovely lake (well, okay, the lake didn't actually appear, it was sort of already there and they just happened upon it). On a hot day such as the one on which we are visiting the companions, it was a welcome sight, and they both stripped naked — see where this is going now? — and jumped in.

Truth was splashing pleasantly about enjoying the natural honesty of the little fishies when Falsehood challenged him to swim to the other side of the lake. As it wasn't all that far (and as Truth was, truth to tell, a tad gullible), Truth took the challenge and set off for the far shore. No sooner was he twenty yards away, however, than Falsehood splashed up to the beach and stole Truth's clothes for himself, since they were much finer than his old rags.

When Truth got back from his little excursion, he saw Falsehood parading around on the shore in Truth's finery. When asked about his actions, Falsehood replied, "Since Truth is beauty, you don't need these nice clothes. You can wear mine." And with that, he walked off into the woods.

Truth slogged out of the lake and looked down at the little pile of stained robes left by Falsehood. "I would rather," he announced to no one in particular, "walk naked than wear the raiments of Falsehood!" And henceforth, he walks the earth as Naked Truth.

So, there it is, the unadulterated truth about Truth. Join us next time when we'll journey into the uncharted waters of naval expressions (no, not smiling belly buttons — I said naval expressions, not navel expressions).

Until then, say what you think, but think about what you're saying.

posted April 17, 2006 10:32 AM              

Diogenes, "the Cynic," Greek philosopher, was born in Sinope (in todays' saying Sinop, Turkey) about 412 BC (according to other sources 399 BC), and died in 323 BC at Corinth, according to Diogenes Laërtius, on the day on which Alexander the Great died at Babylon. (Because of the distance, and with the date of Diogenes' death not being known exactly, Laertius probably retold a legend. Another legend says that Socrates died on Diogenes' birthday.)

His father, Icesias, a money-changer, was imprisoned or exiled on the charge of adulterating the coinage. Diogenes was included in the charge, and went to Athens with one attendant, whom he dismissed, saying, "If Manes can live without Diogenes, why not Diogenes without Manes?" Attracted by the ascetic teaching of Antisthenes (a pupil of Socrates), he became his pupil, despite the brutality with which he was received, and rapidly surpassed his master both in reputation and in the austerity of his life. The stories which are told of him are probably true; in any case, they serve to illustrate the logical consistency of his character. He inured himself to the vicissitudes of weather by living in a tub belonging to the temple of Cybele. The single wooden bowl he possessed he destroyed on seeing a peasant boy drink from the hollow of his hands. When asked how to avoid the temptation to lust of the flesh, Diogenes began masturbating. When rebuked later about it, he replied "If only I could soothe my belly by rubbing it."

Contrary to the other citizens of Athens, he avoided earthly pleasures. This attitude was grounded in a great disdain for what Diogenes perceived as the folly, pretence, vanity, social climbing, self-deception, and artificiality of much human conduct. He used to stroll through the Agora with a torch at full daylight. When asked about it, he would answer "I am just looking for an honest man". Legend sometimes has him holding a lantern, rather than a torch.

On a voyage to Aegina he was captured by pirates and sold as a slave in Crete to a Corinthian named Xeniades. Being asked his trade, he replied that he knew no trade but that of governing men, and that he wished to be sold to a man who needed a master. As tutor to the two sons of Xeniades, he lived in Corinth for the rest of his life, which he devoted entirely to preaching the doctrines of virtuous self-control. At the Isthmian Games he lectured to large audiences who turned to him from Antisthenes. It was, probably, at one of these festivals that he met Alexander the Great. The story goes that Alexander, thrilled at coming face to face with the famous philosopher (in his tub), asked if there was any favour he might do for him. Diogenes replied, “Stand out of my sunlight.” Alexander still declared, "If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes." (In another account, Alexander found the philosopher rummaging through a pile of human bones. Diogenes explained, "I am searching for the bones of your father but cannot distinguish them from those of a slave.") When Plato gave Socrates's definition of man as "featherless bipeds" and was much praised for the definition, Diogenes plucked a **** and brought it into Plato's school, and said, "This is Plato's man." After this incident, "with broad flat nails" was added to Plato's definition.

On his death, of which there are several accounts, the Corinthians erected to his memory a pillar on which there rested a dog of Parian marble. Virtue, for him, consisted in the avoidance of all physical pleasure; that pain and hunger were positively helpful in the pursuit of goodness; that all the artificial growths of society appeared to him incompatible with truth and goodness; that moralization implies a return to nature and simplicity. So great was his austerity and simplicity, that the Stoics would later claim him to be a sage or "sophos", a perfect man. In his words, "Man has complicated every simple gift of the gods." He has been credited with going to extremes of impropriety in pursuance of these ideas; probably, however, his reputation has suffered from the undoubted immorality of some of his successors. Both in ancient and in modern times, his personality has appealed strongly to sculptors and to painters. Ancient busts exist in the museums of the Vatican, the Louvre and the Capitol. The interview between Diogenes and Alexander is represented in an ancient marble bas-relief found in the Villa Albani. Rubens, Jordaens, Steen, Van der Werff, Jeaurat, Salvator Rosa, Nicolas Poussin, Karel Dujardin and Giovannino (who declared himself as rebirth of Diogenes) have painted scenes from his life.

Diogenes is the first person known to have thought, and said, "I am a citizen of the whole world (cosmos)," rather than of any particular city or state (polis). He thereby invented the concept of cosmopolitanism.

posted April 17, 2006 03:18 PM              

Did you know "Diogenes of Sinope" is an alias I've used here at LL, in the past?

I love his sayings.

I love that he masterbated in public, lol.
I never heard that quote about rubbing his belly.
Awesome.

I love that, by way of giving a sermon, once, after the listeners had gathered, he proceeded to stand, squat, and take a crap in their midst.

I love all the stories about him I've heard.
I love that, when Alexander approached him, and offered to grant his greatest desire, he replied, "Stand out of my sun."

He's the $hit.

And when Plato complained that he tracked mud on his floors, Diogenes said, "[Plato fumes, because he knows it is his pride I trample on.}"

Although, I think Plato's reply was pretty witty: "Yes, Diogenes. With pride of another sort."

Sorry, I know you've heard all this before.

I just love him.

Heraclitus as well.

Have you read Bertrand Russell's
"A Brief History of Western Philosophy"?
I think thats what its called.

posted April 17, 2006 04:25 PM              

A bit more here....and yes...I think I did read "A Brief History of Western Philosophy"?
some years back. So not fresh in my mind at the moment.

But here is a bit with the Alexader scene

Diogenes Spent His Days Walking The Streets Of Athens, With A Lighted Lantern -- Looking For An Honest Man!
He Never Found One!

One time Alexander the Great came to Athens; he had heard about Diogenes. Diogenes was the man who walked the streets of Athens, Greece, during the day time, with a lighted lantern -- looking for an honest man.
Diogenes lived in a large tub! He never found an honest man, but in the process of looking he exposed many liars and was known as a member of the School of Cynics.

This day Alexander went to pay a visit to Diogenes.

Diogenes: It was morning, just time of dusk: I heard voices and marching horses, I came out of my (pithos = large tub) tub and saw Alexander and his horsemen. I lay down in front of my tub, feeling the warm sun.

Alexander and the horsemen stopped, and he came to me. He greeted me and I did the same, then he stared at me for a long time without saying anything. I looked at him as well, he was young, very young, almost a child.

Then Alexander asked:

Alexander The Great: It is true that you live in that tub? or it is just one of those pranks philosophers do in order for the people to talk and admire them? I will answer with a question, Alexander! Is it true you want to conquer Persia, and so unit all Greeks under your leadership? or do you do all this just for the sake of getting the admiration of the people?

Alexander liked my answer! He smiled, touched my tub and said:

One tub full of wisdom.

I liked his words and I felt flattered, but quickly replied:

I prefer one drop of luck, than a tub full of wisdom, great King!

Sometimes wisdom drives you to a bitter taste of vanity, and all your works will stop in death! and one drop of luck can open streets you never could imagine and give you happiness you never knew!

Alexander understood every word and knew the meaning of luck in life better than anyone; then he came closer to Diogenes and said:

I would like to do something very important for you, Diogenes.

I know you chose this kind solitaire life, but I think that sometimes in your life you want something better. Ask me, what you want and it will be a pleasure for me to give it to you. Alexander stood in front of Diogenes while hiding the sun; Diogenes gave him the following answer:

I want only one thing Alexander. You stand in front of me, and you're hindering the sun, so, don' t take from me the thing that you can not give me!

For Alexander was hindering Diogenes' ability find honesty -- and could not, himself, show Diogenes where it might be found!

How wise he was, the man who looked, but could not find honesty!