Subject: Re: Mnemosyne: thinking poetization
Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 16:46:33 -0400


Dear Gulio,

As you may have noticed I consistently left out the z in Nietzsche's name to 
suggest subliminally (unconsciously on my part) that there is no endpoint, 
no real telos and no final overcoming of either metaphysics or the 
quandaries of individual, subjective existence.
I think these thinkers as well as all the poets that ever lived indicate 
that styles of thought and expression are perhaps our only real access to 
true freedom available to us.  Lest this sound too Derridean (although I am 
sympathetic to Derrida's reading of Nietzsche in Spurs) I might add that the 
strength to pursue one's own poetic or narrative or philosophic voice is a 
test of one's will to be free.

I saw an article recently entitled, "Death by a thousand compromises."   
Authorship for Nietzsche seemed to be the only way for him to express his 
uncompromising spirit.  I think we can all relate to the anxiety of modern 
life which demands so much conformity.  So I would pose this question for 
the list in the context of Mnemosyne: thinking poetization, how is it 
possible to live a life of freedom without positing and end (such as an 
apocalypse or second coming) and still live in peace with oneself and 
others.  In other words, still maintain whatyou quoted Kant saying we need, 
i.e. a requisite attunement for "quiet contemplation and that our judgement 
be completely free."


>From: Blank <gulio-AT-sympatico.ca>
>Reply-To: heidegger-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
>To: heidegger-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
>Subject: Re: Mnemosyne: thinking poetization
>Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 11:55:52 -0400
>
>Dear Christopher,
>
>Don't let yourself get agitated by your inability to spell Nietzsche's name 
>correctly. I think it's near impossible because it has this sublime measure 
>to it just as his thoughts in general do. They don't let you rest in peace 
>and comfort which would make them beautifully harmonious rather than 
>sublime. No, it's like the contraries cause a rapid vibrating alternation 
>of disgust and attraction. It's like this abyss impossible to exhibit and 
>to present opens up but the fancy or our superstition can at this point 
>play tricks on us and give shape to 'something' that is unpresentable, that 
>you wouldn't bring to grandma's house, just ask Alex. Kant writes in the 
>Critique of Judgement that the proper frame of mind with which to approach 
>divine greatness "requires that we be attuned to quiet contemplation and 
>that our judgement be completely free" (pg 263). It requires the 
>preparation involved in attaining the habit of keeping one's will free of 
>obstacles  which is an attunement of quiet contemplation or a clear 
>consciousness. And this insight is in no way a distant object but there at 
>once, in the very instant when one does one's duty by following the 
>commanding obligation of the maxims of pure practical reason.
>
>Gulio


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