Comments | balladsofmirth: i think i could understand

balladsofmirth

i think i could understand

Jan 12, 2010 18:26

***"The human mind delights in finding pattern-so much so that we often mistake coincidence or forced analogy for profound meaning. No other habit of thought lies so deeply within the soul of a small creature trying to make sense of a complex world not constructed for it."

-- Stephen Jay Gould
***
Clare Woods
Untitled, 2007; oil on paper; 90 x 40 cm

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Comments 6

quiet_flame January 12 2010, 23:53:02 UTC

"The human mind delights in finding pattern-so much so that we often mistake coincidence or forced analogy for profound meaning. No other habit of thought lies so deeply within the soul of a small creature trying to make sense of a complex world not constructed for it."

How true and well-put.

I did not know that about Roger Ebert either. That article is heartbreaking, though his attitude about it is very gracious. Oh the things we take for granted when we're healthy.

Makes me want to savor this olive I just placed in my mouth.... balladsofmirth January 13 2010, 01:49:23 UTC

His blog made me want to drive to his house and play Scrabble with him while watching Some Like It Hot.

spellercopter January 13 2010, 01:13:21 UTC

That dude believes in coincidence. What if patterns exist that we can't help but see? What if there's no coincidence, as if it were all a puzzle not yet pieced together?

Just a thought, Mr. Gould.

Polka dot, plaid, connect-the-dots balladsofmirth January 13 2010, 01:48:23 UTC

I don't think it's about not believing in patterns or coincidences but understanding that not all meaning is meaning. You know? There are patterns, of course, but not all meaning is as "true" or absolute as we might believe.

Regardless of whether or not I "agree" with the quotation, it's something that's stayed with me since I read it.

For me, it's a helpful reminder to notice patterns and coincidences but to not always full-heartedly believe in their supposed meanings, however fun it is to talk about the possibilities.

I'm still gonna look for patterns. Parallels. It's fun to compare and contrast. Gould ain't discouraging me!

malore_elentari January 13 2010, 16:18:56 UTC

1. Where Roger Ebert discuses his alcoholism. This blew my mind.

2. Super Emo Friends is THE BEST THING EVER. Hawly and Jokie made me lulz hrd. They are my OTP!

balladsofmirth January 13 2010, 20:18:15 UTC

Omgoodness. Is it possible Ebert is becoming one of my favorite writers? Someone said he is "gracious" when talking about his plight with food and taste, and I think grace is a great word to use when it comes to this writing. Wow. I'm impressed. How did I not know this man had some serious writing chops? Reminds me of the thoroughness of Stephen King's essays. Ebert knows which details to shine a light on, and he's got some punchy-strong sentences....

Thank you for this.

JOKIE, SUPPIE, AND BATTIE MADE MA LAUGH OUT LOUD. Aw, poor Hawly. She needs her own film. Just sayin'. She was my fav in the early- to mid-90s cartoon.