a step into the unforeseen
"Let [the child] believe that he is always in control, though it is always you [the teacher] who really controls. There is no subjugation so perfect as that which keeps the appearance of freedom, for in that way one captures volition itself. The poor baby, knowing nothing, able to do nothing, having learned nothing, is he not at your mercy? Can you not arrange everything in the world which surrounds him? Can you not influence him as you wish? His work, his play, his pleasures, his pains, are not all these in your hands and without his knowing? Doubtless he out to do only what he wants; but he ought to want to do only what you want him to do; he out not to take a step which you have not foreseen; he ought not to open his mouth without your knowing what he will say."
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, "emille"
This depresses the hell out of me. Of course we are all out of the point of developing in which we are sheltered from every waking existence other than what those who guard us wish. But, can are we capable of seeing these "outside forces" for what they really are? Or are we just products of our [teachers.] Babies until the end of our misguided lives. Even if we were liberated and given free will from an early age. The philosophy behind freedom is in itself a manifestation of predecessors who set that example. Although the concept can very well be understood by those who do not own its birth, can we really accept it without the correct direction given before we are able to take it for what it is?
Nothing is our own, nothing is given without return.
We have no original direction, no framework from
which we can build a car and drive away. A stand
still is all that we posess. The understanding of our
limitations is the only vessel we have been given
to advance.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, "emille"
This depresses the hell out of me. Of course we are all out of the point of developing in which we are sheltered from every waking existence other than what those who guard us wish. But, can are we capable of seeing these "outside forces" for what they really are? Or are we just products of our [teachers.] Babies until the end of our misguided lives. Even if we were liberated and given free will from an early age. The philosophy behind freedom is in itself a manifestation of predecessors who set that example. Although the concept can very well be understood by those who do not own its birth, can we really accept it without the correct direction given before we are able to take it for what it is?
Nothing is our own, nothing is given without return.
We have no original direction, no framework from
which we can build a car and drive away. A stand
still is all that we posess. The understanding of our
limitations is the only vessel we have been given
to advance.
I think that religions and other foundations of beliefs need to recognize their limitations, as we need to recognize their limitations as well. But for us, well, I don't believe we have any.
Posted by
Matt |
5:10 PM