Reply #11: "Either This or That" is flawed thinking in most circumstances, and [View All]

[patrice]

especially when talking about human individuals.

We are in the habit of oversimplifying EVERYTHING so we can say things such as: Conservative, Liberal, Good, Bad, Right, Left, Democrat, Republican, Masculine, Feminine, Capitalist, Socialist, Free, Oppressed, etc. etc. etc.

If you become aware of HOW language is used as though it were the reality itself rather than only a TOOL that ONLY imperfectly POINTS at actual Reality, you might begin to try to become aware of the phenomenal world more directly, rather than mistaking so many other people's (agenda laden) words for experiencial truths themselves.

Listen to what people are saying, become aware of their meanings by asking them and by studying the words they use. Don't take ANY of your own meanings for granted; ask yourself what your own meanings are.

And then go out into the streets, out into your world and experience it for what it is, not just what you think it is, but as much of the whole thing as you can find. Compare "meanings" and phenomenology and when you're ready, look for your true community.

Good Luck on your Journey!

Hare Krsna!