Capacity for Abstract Thought?

Published on August 20, 2004 By Gideon MacLeish In Misc

OK, so here's the scenario.

I'm at a discussion group of local activists. Not all of us are avowed Libertarians in the group, but there's a strong libertarian sentiment nonetheless. I am speaking as the group begins to dissolve in some petty little squabble or another, and I make the statement "we need to win the war; THEN divide the spoils".

At this point, some older gentleman who's been mostly listening, pipes up "War? What war?" and beging on his own little rant (I fully expected a "Now THAT was a war" story to follow, but I digress).

I had clearly phrased my statement in such a way as to be metaphorical. However, in envoding, the lstener perceived it differently. Sadly, I have this sort of communication problem more often than I care to admit; which leads me to ask: whatever happened to ABSTRACT THOUGHT? Are we really becoming so linear in our thinking as to degenerate into basic processing and become immune to a well phrased simile or metaphor?

I am certainly hoping not; otherwise, I'm gonna be DAMN careful who I tell "I'd KILL for a hamburger right about now"...

signing off,

Gideon MacLeish

Comments (Page 2)

LadyCleve

on Aug 21, 2004

I remember a time (not my own unfortunately) where whole books would be allegorical and require a high level of abstract thinking to make heads or tails of it

When I was in junior high (within the last two decades), we had to read Animal Farm by George Orwell. My best friend swore for years (maybe even now) that it was just a cute story about some animals. I worked editing textbooks a year ago and enjoyed the literature sections. Unfortunately, they do not ask the kinds of questions we were asked in school just 10 to 15 years ago.

Abe Cubbage

on Aug 21, 2004

No argument there. But have you read them.

Yes, I have been reading them since I was a teen and I love them. I know I am a better person for having read them and I think that this is also true for most people.

kingbee

on Aug 22, 2004

Unfortunately, they do not ask the kinds of questions we were asked in school just 10 to 15 years ago

based on older textbooks ive seen, it's very likely the questions you were asked were not as demanding as those posed 20 years previous to that. i dont seem to be acquainted with as many teachers as i once was but those ive spoken with over the past couple years are terribly frustrated because they feel they've very little time in which to teach their students much more than how to score well on those annual standarized end-of-grade tests most states now require.

if that is truly the case (and i have no reason to doubt what theyve told me), it wont be too much longer before no child left behind becomes no child gets ahead.

Gideon MacLeish

on Aug 22, 2004

I think a lot of people DO get it, but they deliberately act obtuse in order to divert and hijack your original argument in order to draw attention to theirs. I see this tactic used on JU a lot, where intelligent and thought provoking topics are prone to disintigrate into semantics and nitpicking.

I'm not sure, LW, but it's an interesting point. I'll have to watch closer.

Just for the record, my favorite allegorical book was Jonathan Livingston Seagull, by Richard Bach.

An excellent choice, indeed!

notsohighlyevolved

on Aug 22, 2004

I don't know that such pseudointellectualism is always a bad thing, though, as it piquex someone's interest and may give them a starting point they might not otherwise have had.

Gideon. You were speaking of excellent responses. Ditto for yours.

Marco

stevendedalus

on Aug 22, 2004

Well, I must admit the term war is overused as an effective metaphor--war on drugs, war on terrorism, war protestors, war on poverty,etc.

SSG Geezer

on Aug 22, 2004

I love allegories, but the general population doesn't get them. they want it stated exactly.
For some reason this discussion reminded me of the instructions in Survival manuals.
How about the instructions on how to skin a rabbit.
Step 1: Catch rabbit.
Even Elmer Fudd knew that.

Gideon MacLeish

on Aug 22, 2004

Gideon. You were speaking of excellent responses. Ditto for yours.

Thanks.

Well, I must admit the term war is overused as an effective metaphor--war on drugs, war on terrorism, war protestors, war on poverty,etc.

Yes, it's nuts. I'm surprised Listerine hasn't declared "war on halitosis".

Oh, shit, I gave them an idea.

Gideon MacLeish

on Aug 22, 2004

Demand royalties.

Yes, I definitely need to demand royalties on this one...plus maybe a lifetime supply of listerine...lol

Texas Wahine

on Aug 23, 2004

Listerine.

Well, I tend to be a dense person in general. I am the person who needs to be reminded that facial cleanser is not to be used internally or that the tiny plastic mystery package found inside purses should not be eaten.

I do enjoy being stretched intellectually and having to make inferences . . . I'm just slower than most with it!

Enjoyed your post, Gideon.

The Crusaders

on Aug 23, 2004

Gideon,
I understand where your coming from having found my sometime's cynical, satirical comments bouncing of stony faces.
I think people get stuck, sometimes, or trapped by their perspective and take your comment with their meaning not yours without giving you the chance to explain further if need be.
I have found in conversations with my partner that I'll say something and he'll totally take it in another sense but once I refine my comment he's on the same wave length.
I have never thought communication to be easy.....

Gideon MacLeish

on Aug 27, 2004

I am the person who needs to be reminded that facial cleanser is not to be used internally or that the tiny plastic mystery package found inside purses should not be eaten.

Oh, so YOU'RE the one....lol

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