From: Unleesh-AT-aol.com
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 1998 04:32:54 EDT
Subject: Re:  Re:  RE: academia, fear, custard


Perhaps "reform vs. revolution" is too simplistic and we need to create new
lines of thought. My understanding of the molecular revolution is that it
undoes such hard and fast distinctions. Kropotkin's theory of revolution was
pretty chaos science : it's worth looking at. No Bolshevik seizure of the
state, etc. He compared it to a storm, that develops with its own logic and
cannot be predicted nor controlled nor outright created. But more favorable
conditions for that storm could be created on the "molecular" level (although
he didn't use that term.)

  When you were talking about flexible limitations, I thought of the Celtic
notion of the "geas". Kings and people in specialized institutions were
surrounded by these so the whole thing was a sort of game to play within those
parameters. It can be fun sometimes to see how well one can play within a
restricted space. I remember sometimes enjoying the energy buildup that
occurred when I had to cram for a test or get a paper out at the last minute
... would I be able to make it? It could be amusing to see how close to the
limit I could push things, so in that way the limit became creative for me.
  I like your idea of a creative synthesis between the two types of
creativity. I think limiting oneself can open up new visions. It can be
interesting, for example, to tie one arm up and go about one's day like that.
While it appears to be a limitation, it creates a new experience you never
would have had.
  Perhaps "rigour" is an ideal being discussed here rather than
institutionalized coercion, the latter I always abhor. Severity can be very
inspiring, so sometimes a severe, formidable teacher can bring out interesting
things in us. I personally just don't visualize this only happening within the
university setting, and would like to see master/apprentice, freeform greek
style schools forming everywhere. One can learn from anyone. Flexible forms
can be created to legitimate such knowledge. If professors can create such
forums, wonderful. I have had awesome professors who would allow me an
independent study where I could go and learn from someone, and with a minimum
of papers, pass. So one could go to a bum on the street and take hir on as a
teacher, and through writing a paper or audiovisual report, or whatever, get
that validated.
  There's many options. "and...and...and..."

(un)leash