There is always a need for a few "dogs" in a society, but it seems this is never more true in times of wealth and technological expansion. Call it relativism or Hubris-proof plugin if you're more tech-savvy. Cynicism (with a capital C) is a healthy counterpoint and everyone should strive to keep a place in their heart for the little barking dog. Because some times, there really is nothing better than to bark with a little arrogance.
The downside however, is to make it your entire personna. Then, we're dangerously threading in angry-dumb-teenager waters. Because cynisism pushed to its paroxysm is just a projection of fear; not everything must be challenged at all times, not every value/attitude must be ridiculed "for the sake of it". In a way, the postmodernists and their perpetual relativism that got us so weak and stuck embody Diogene's dark shadow to the T. They are Diogene without the wisdom; only the meaningless barking.
That's why I tend to stay away from someone who seems to show too much appreciation for the guy living in an amphora. But besides that, if you hear the dog barking inside your head, don't necessarily shush him, and remember Alexander the Great admired him. And who are you to look down on Alexander ?
This was brilliant, the whole essay, but this paragraph in particular:
> Those on the margins, whether through choice or otherwise, remind us that comfort should not be taken for granted. That society and civilisation themselves should not be taken for granted. Everything is in a sense provisional. And further, you can only discover your own place in the world by being able to consider examples from its extreme edges, and gratitude is mostly fostered by doing without. Counterpoints are reminders. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Many an aphorism plays on this dynamic.
I love the parallel between Diogenes, Blaine and punksters. I have immediately remembered a ton of different "performances" (maybe not exactly in the regard of the essay, but in general). There was one Russian guy who, pardon me, nailed his scrotum to the Red Square a few years ago. Was it a politically metaphorical statement or just an act of being an attention junkie? Was it too much or "just right"? Was it a rational brave decision or a whim with the flavour of craziness? I can't answer these questions and I bet even a performer cannot always answer them. But what I can say for sure, he definitely "let the dog off the leash." :D
P.S. And thanks for the etymology bit. I love digging words' origins.
There is always a need for a few "dogs" in a society, but it seems this is never more true in times of wealth and technological expansion. Call it relativism or Hubris-proof plugin if you're more tech-savvy. Cynicism (with a capital C) is a healthy counterpoint and everyone should strive to keep a place in their heart for the little barking dog. Because some times, there really is nothing better than to bark with a little arrogance.
The downside however, is to make it your entire personna. Then, we're dangerously threading in angry-dumb-teenager waters. Because cynisism pushed to its paroxysm is just a projection of fear; not everything must be challenged at all times, not every value/attitude must be ridiculed "for the sake of it". In a way, the postmodernists and their perpetual relativism that got us so weak and stuck embody Diogene's dark shadow to the T. They are Diogene without the wisdom; only the meaningless barking.
That's why I tend to stay away from someone who seems to show too much appreciation for the guy living in an amphora. But besides that, if you hear the dog barking inside your head, don't necessarily shush him, and remember Alexander the Great admired him. And who are you to look down on Alexander ?
Good read. Thanks.
This was brilliant, the whole essay, but this paragraph in particular:
> Those on the margins, whether through choice or otherwise, remind us that comfort should not be taken for granted. That society and civilisation themselves should not be taken for granted. Everything is in a sense provisional. And further, you can only discover your own place in the world by being able to consider examples from its extreme edges, and gratitude is mostly fostered by doing without. Counterpoints are reminders. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Many an aphorism plays on this dynamic.
I love the parallel between Diogenes, Blaine and punksters. I have immediately remembered a ton of different "performances" (maybe not exactly in the regard of the essay, but in general). There was one Russian guy who, pardon me, nailed his scrotum to the Red Square a few years ago. Was it a politically metaphorical statement or just an act of being an attention junkie? Was it too much or "just right"? Was it a rational brave decision or a whim with the flavour of craziness? I can't answer these questions and I bet even a performer cannot always answer them. But what I can say for sure, he definitely "let the dog off the leash." :D
P.S. And thanks for the etymology bit. I love digging words' origins.
Cheers,
John