The Zeitgeist

Wirtten: [Costa Adliya] April 14th

For the main part I escaped wonderfully from these dangers, either by proceeding at once boldly and without deilbration to the goal, as is recommended to those who run the gantlet, like Orpheus, who 'Loudly singing the praises of the gods to his lyre, drowned the voices of the Sirens, and kept out of danger.'

Here Thoreau is talking about unplelasant civilities of some type. Having to greet villagers and accept or decline their invitations. The 'gantlet' is indeed a part of life but need not always be viewed as negatively or with such cynicism as the venomous Thoreau with his disdain for the common man. There is something to be said for being pleasant and friendly and civil to people even if it means being bored. Having people like you gives powerful recourse to emotional wellbeing and achievement and is important for being a functioning member of society, which Thoreau also shuns entirely.

I prefer to take the more Machiavellian/utilitarian approach to people. Make them happy, make them like you and it will be better for you. Or the Gandhi/Mother Teresa approach stemming from a fundamental love and respect for mankind.

Either way I think comparing base civilities upon which normal social conversation rests to Orpheus and the Sirens is really very extreme.

Labels: literature, people, philosophy

posted by LX @ 9:10 AM Comments: 0