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I was just about to rant and then I thought it better to have a conversation. My own gentle atmosphere has been riled up enough but we must talk.
I went to a professional function last week where the speaker took the position that emotions must not be considered when determining the truth... you could use the big T (universal application) or the little t (verifiable). Ask me why did that bother me?
A conversation between two
19th century women
liberally interrupted by anachronistic references...
Friend: Dear, you seem upset? What's on your mind?
Me: I'm disturbed that some "educated" professionals are still committed to reasoning through dry facts when trying to test knowledge...to determine the "ultimate truth."
Friend: Why would that bother you? People all have different opinions...
Me: Yes, I know this. Recently, we have begun incorporating emotional intelligence into our thinking. And you know that art is a medium that expresses feeling. So many things. Plus, in our time, women are called hysterics because they express too much emotion. Maybe they disagree with a decision that is made by their husband but their passion is seen as an indication of their weakened mental state. You see?
Friend: I know of the hysteria diagnoses...but certainly you don't think that will return?
Me: No, I'm thinking of the way we understand in life. If we omit the heart where will our insights lead?
Friend: Yes, but that is impossible. No one can function on a purely rational level because all humans have feeling.
Me: Yes, but the argument is to omit that quality and test for truth dispassionately. I think this argument has some validity but it's like the finger pointing to the moon...truth is not all verifiable...I don't accept that premise.
"All instruction is but a finger pointing to the moon; and those whose gaze is fixed upon the pointer will never see beyond. Even let him catch sight of the moon, and still he cannot see its beauty." Adhyatama Upanishads
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Me: Why are we going back to this type of reasoning? We must include the heart even within our logical reflections...where will this type of dry thought lead us?
Friend: Dear, if you are talking and questioning then we are fine. Everyone won't be convinced.
photo -painting A Friendly Call William Merritt Chase
