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Yakk · 04-01-2004, 03:01 PM

I'm not open, even with myself.

To preface this, one of the largest epiphanies I've ever had was the fact that people think differently. Really really differently. Not just slower, faster, better, worse, more educated or less: but different on really fundamental levels. And there aren't 16 different ways of thinking, there are 6 billion+.

So, to provide you with an alternate perspective, here is why I am less than open.

Once I have framed words for a feeling, the many levels and harmonics fade away. Instead of being a "why", it is now a set of words, and my thoughts on the matter are now framed by the words I chose. I can admit exceptions, but they are now only exceptions.

By defining my feelings, I rob them of life.

Which means I don't communicate general feelings. I communicate specific feelings about specific things, feelings that aren't harmed by the act of definition but rather clarified. Or broad generalizations, broad enough to both contain and not restrict my feelings on an issue.

I like Mathematics. This is a broad generalization that doesn't confine my feelings.

I don't think about what it is about Math I like. I can tell you which tricks I particularly like. But, telling you what it is about Math I find beautiful would get in the way of my finding Math beautiful.

Ask me if I liked a paritular part of a scene in a movie, I can answer. "The character of Mr Alfred Doolittle was sublime and hilarious." Ask me if the movie was good, I'll struggle. Ask me what my favourite movie is, and I'll look at you blankly.

You obviously think differently. And that is good, the world would be boring if we all thought the same way!

Maybe they aren't backing away. Maybe they just incapable of expressing something: not because they don't want to share, but because they aren't built that way.

04-01-2004, 03:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
Yakk Wehret Den Anfängen! Location: Ontario, Canada	I'm not open, even with myself. To preface this, one of the largest epiphanies I've ever had was the fact that people think differently. Really really differently. Not just slower, faster, better, worse, more educated or less: but different on really fundamental levels. And there aren't 16 different ways of thinking, there are 6 billion+. So, to provide you with an alternate perspective, here is why I am less than open. Once I have framed words for a feeling, the many levels and harmonics fade away. Instead of being a "why", it is now a set of words, and my thoughts on the matter are now framed by the words I chose. I can admit exceptions, but they are now only exceptions. By defining my feelings, I rob them of life. Which means I don't communicate general feelings. I communicate specific feelings about specific things, feelings that aren't harmed by the act of definition but rather clarified. Or broad generalizations, broad enough to both contain and not restrict my feelings on an issue. I like Mathematics. This is a broad generalization that doesn't confine my feelings. I don't think about what it is about Math I like. I can tell you which tricks I particularly like. But, telling you what it is about Math I find beautiful would get in the way of my finding Math beautiful. Ask me if I liked a paritular part of a scene in a movie, I can answer. "The character of Mr Alfred Doolittle was sublime and hilarious." Ask me if the movie was good, I'll struggle. Ask me what my favourite movie is, and I'll look at you blankly. You obviously think differently. And that is good, the world would be boring if we all thought the same way! Maybe they aren't backing away. Maybe they just incapable of expressing something: not because they don't want to share, but because they aren't built that way. __________________ Last edited by JHVH : 10-29-4004 BC at 09:00 PM. Reason: Time for a rest.