Objective, Subjective
I went to Auburn over the weekend to help my dad move some things and visited with some friends. We got talking about Robert M. Pirsig's notion of arete, and a friend brought up this story (my retelling):
Two friends, Oscar and Sam were arguing about the nature of reality as usual. Oscar thought that reality could be objectively measured and quantified, a yardstick that works for everything. There were observable absolutes. Sam, on the other hand, thought reality was only subjectively experienced, that it was all based on individual perception. Everything is relative. They had been arguing for years, each failing to persuade the other. One day, while drinking a little too much, they decided to take it up to the Old Man and have him settle the argument once and for all.
The Old Man was getting on his years and likes his sleep. He woke up cranky and was a bit miffed that Oscar and Sam would ask him to arbitrate such a trivial matter. Nevertheless, he heard them out. Oscar stepped up first. He brought forth his arguments, laid them out logically, and impressed even himself to the clarity of his argument. Reality is measurable, and it is by nature objective. Sam then stepped up, and waxed eloquent with sheer passion and beauty. It is all in how you see it. Reality is experienced, and it is by nature subjective.
After Oscar and Sam wound down, they looked at the Old Man expectantly. Rolling his eyes, the Old Man picked up a rock and threw it at Sam's head. Sam dropped, clutching his head in pain.
Before Oscar could think of anything to say, the Old Man pointed to Oscar and said, "Come back when you can tell me how Sam feels. Now both of you, get out and don't bother me while I'm getting some quality time. Shoo."
Namaste
Two friends, Oscar and Sam were arguing about the nature of reality as usual. Oscar thought that reality could be objectively measured and quantified, a yardstick that works for everything. There were observable absolutes. Sam, on the other hand, thought reality was only subjectively experienced, that it was all based on individual perception. Everything is relative. They had been arguing for years, each failing to persuade the other. One day, while drinking a little too much, they decided to take it up to the Old Man and have him settle the argument once and for all.
The Old Man was getting on his years and likes his sleep. He woke up cranky and was a bit miffed that Oscar and Sam would ask him to arbitrate such a trivial matter. Nevertheless, he heard them out. Oscar stepped up first. He brought forth his arguments, laid them out logically, and impressed even himself to the clarity of his argument. Reality is measurable, and it is by nature objective. Sam then stepped up, and waxed eloquent with sheer passion and beauty. It is all in how you see it. Reality is experienced, and it is by nature subjective.
After Oscar and Sam wound down, they looked at the Old Man expectantly. Rolling his eyes, the Old Man picked up a rock and threw it at Sam's head. Sam dropped, clutching his head in pain.
Before Oscar could think of anything to say, the Old Man pointed to Oscar and said, "Come back when you can tell me how Sam feels. Now both of you, get out and don't bother me while I'm getting some quality time. Shoo."
Namaste