Reinventing the Sacred

[Rob]

oes anyone know anything about the work of Dr, Stuar Kauffman? He's speaking in Portland this Thursday, and tickets are free where I work! The topic, and this video, make his ideas sound appealing:

http://tinyurl.com/629h7t

Rob

[Barque]

Hi Rob, Tell us how Stuart Kauffman's session was last night, if you went. I've posted a student write-up about Thomas Moore's presentation at Elon University last night on Barque:
http://barque.blogspot.com/2009/04/university-education-may-be-ther...
I'm not familiar with Kauffman's work. Cheers & thanks, D.

[Rob]

Hi, thanks for asking. The lecture was interesting although some of the scientific jargon was a bit over my head. Here is a Salon interview with Stuart K. that might be easier for laypeople to understand: http://www.salon.com/env/atoms_eden/2008/11/19/stuart_kauffman/

If you have a good understanding of Biology or Physics, then you can Google his name for less popularized texts. In a nutshell, I think Stuart Kauffman is making an important point about letting some mystery and awe into the reductionist view of our universe and ourselves. I'm not sure he'll make much headway in bridging the divide between secular humanists and religious fundamentalists, but I admire the attempt.

The fellow who went to the lecture with me noted that the audience was comprised mainly of white, middle-upper income liberals, which is not surprising, but raises a criticism I sometimes hear when I share my enthusiasm for Thomas Moore's work; namely, how many of us have the 'luxury' of attending such lectures, reading books written for a well educated audience, and sharing our feelings in discussion forums? It's a question of socio-cultural literacy, economic equality, and privilege. My response is usually that different people can receive the same message in ways that suit their socio-economic background and education.

Does anyone else hear this sort of criticism when they share Thomas' ideas with others?

Rob

[Barque]

Hi Rob,
I don't hear this sort of criticism. Each of us decides how to spend our time and direct our energies. From his recent appearance schedule, I have the sense that when possible, Thomas Moore is committed to offering a public reading (for free or at a reasonable rate) before a sponsored event starts the next day. I'm not sure I'd agree that Moore targets his books to a well educated audience -- more to an audience open to thinking and feeling differently, willing to shift perspectives. Challenging? Perhaps, but not in a restrictive sense. People live soulful lives in different ways: They may be engaged in activities, hobbies, family pursuits, social justice issues, meditation, sports, etc. rather than sharing in discussion forums. I imagine the public library is happy to lend Moore's books to interested readers.

[Rob]

Thank you for your reply. I agree. I guess the comment from the person with whom I attended the lecture, along with my recent switch (or return) to mass transit, has reminded me how many of us don't use public libraries to read Thomas' books or engage in activities that allow soul to emerge. Meanwhile, I see many privileged people engrossed in ego-centered "spiritualism", shrouded by SUVs, large houses, and designer clothing, pretending to read his books.

I suppose it's this contradiction that has me in a personal bind, the feeling that these disparities should integrate and form a whole. It feels like the meat cleaver split that Thomas mentioned when it was election time although that was in a different context.

I know I can't control who reads what and I can't snap my fingers and cause illiteracy and homelessness to go away. The volume of it all can be overwhelming at times though. :-)

I hope that makes some sense. It's hard for me to articulate.