Daniel Quinn & My Ishmael - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

thingstodo · 12-18-2003, 04:25 PM

Has anyone read any of Quinn's books? My Ishmael, The Story Of B, etc.?

He gets into some very interesting things regarding the old hunter gatherer, tribal life and the current way we live when some have and lock up. At one time we lived like the Indians, off the land and everyone shared. Almost a perfect socialist state only that term had no meaning He also has some interesting takes on school and what we teach our kids and the whole concept of school in general.

Just tryng to open a whole different discussion area....

Journeyman · 12-18-2003, 10:25 PM

I've read Ishmael recently, and really wish I read it and then Fight Club, in that order. I think it's a decent enough idea that it should be implemented to a lesser degree to see whether things get better or worse (ie Quarantine large portions of the world as no-trespassing by humans).

Philosophy professor of mine says Ishmael and Story of B are the only ones worth reading unless you're REALLY into the whole idea, but essentially not so much the other ones.

thingstodo · 12-19-2003, 03:50 AM

I never thought of the Fight Club connection.... I'll have to ponder that more.

I do think your prof is right, Quinn just begins to convey the same message in different ways. I just think it is soooo powerful a thought.

Sho Nuff · 12-19-2003, 07:07 AM

I read Ishmael and half of Story of B and it does get to be very repetitive. I also did read Fight Club a few months after reading Ishmael and it definitely does offer an interesting perspective. The book has much more philosophy in it than the movie.

Ishmael literally changed my life. I started enjoying my life more instead of working so hard because it put my life into a context. Human beings live like ants, constantly building and building with no real purpose or goal other than the infinite constructions of......something.

Some other books I read after that were Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Tao Te Ching, The Alchemist and books on Zen, martial philosophy, etc. that all contributed to a new worldview.

thingstodo · 12-19-2003, 12:08 PM

You are right. I keep a copy of the Tao Te Ching and read some nearly every day. Other Zen type stuff as well. In fact, the Art of War is a great book for peacefully avoiding conflict if you consider things the right way.

Easytiger · 12-28-2003, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thingstodo
In fact, the Art of War is a great book for peacefully avoiding conflict if you consider things the right way.

Um...it will tell you to avoid conflict when there is no chance of victory, and it will counsel you against unnecessary battle, but it's called The Art of War, not The Art of Peace.

OK, I'm trolling.

thingstodo · 12-30-2003, 03:51 AM

I see your point and raise you one.

It is call The ART of War, not making war. And that's why I say if you consider it the right way. Sure, it gets into overwhelming force, etc. However, any good commander will do everything posible to avoid conflict. Take the animal world.... animals do a lot for show.

The Quinn books will really make you think different.

12-18-2003, 04:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	Daniel Quinn & My Ishmael Has anyone read any of Quinn's books? My Ishmael, The Story Of B, etc.? He gets into some very interesting things regarding the old hunter gatherer, tribal life and the current way we live when some have and lock up. At one time we lived like the Indians, off the land and everyone shared. Almost a perfect socialist state only that term had no meaning He also has some interesting takes on school and what we teach our kids and the whole concept of school in general. Just tryng to open a whole different discussion area.... __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

12-19-2003, 03:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	I never thought of the Fight Club connection.... I'll have to ponder that more. I do think your prof is right, Quinn just begins to convey the same message in different ways. I just think it is soooo powerful a thought. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

12-19-2003, 07:07 AM	#4 (permalink)
Sho Nuff Addict Location: Harlem	I read Ishmael and half of Story of B and it does get to be very repetitive. I also did read Fight Club a few months after reading Ishmael and it definitely does offer an interesting perspective. The book has much more philosophy in it than the movie. Ishmael literally changed my life. I started enjoying my life more instead of working so hard because it put my life into a context. Human beings live like ants, constantly building and building with no real purpose or goal other than the infinite constructions of......something. Some other books I read after that were Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Tao Te Ching, The Alchemist and books on Zen, martial philosophy, etc. that all contributed to a new worldview. __________________ I know Nietzsche doesnt rhyme with peachy, but you sound like a pretentious prick when you correct me.

12-19-2003, 12:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	You are right. I keep a copy of the Tao Te Ching and read some nearly every day. Other Zen type stuff as well. In fact, the Art of War is a great book for peacefully avoiding conflict if you consider things the right way. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

12-30-2003, 03:51 AM	#7 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	I see your point and raise you one. It is call The ART of War, not making war. And that's why I say if you consider it the right way. Sure, it gets into overwhelming force, etc. However, any good commander will do everything posible to avoid conflict. Take the animal world.... animals do a lot for show. The Quinn books will really make you think different. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

12-18-2003, 10:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
Journeyman Like John Goodman, but not. Location: SFBA, California	I've read Ishmael recently, and really wish I read it and then Fight Club, in that order. I think it's a decent enough idea that it should be implemented to a lesser degree to see whether things get better or worse (ie Quarantine large portions of the world as no-trespassing by humans). Philosophy professor of mine says Ishmael and Story of B are the only ones worth reading unless you're REALLY into the whole idea, but essentially not so much the other ones.