Worthy Remarks by Stuart correlation Aspects of S., K. and P.

Hello "everyone",

What follows is an aside relative to the intepretaion of the Emendation; but if we treat Spinoza as a paradigm instance of a western philosophical tradition that may have certain goals and dynamics in common with other traditions, then what follows is not irrelevant to our overall understanding of the Emendation. So I'm not trying to change the discussion. But I do think the quotes below are worth pondering. 

Thanks in advance for your indulgence,

Stuart.

HI Donovan,

I thought of K when I asked the question. My understanding of K in a nutshell: Pay attention. I used a Krishnamurti quotation once as a chapter heading (MA thesis on SPinoza) K along with a couple of quotes from Plato in order to indicate the ways in which Plato, K and Spinoza all dovetail. Well, heck, here they are. I arranged them in the following order for philosophical and dramatic effect:



"For there is no way of putting it into words like other studies. Acquaintance with it must come rather after a long period of attendance on intstruction in the subject itself and of close companionship, when suddenly, like a blaze kindled by a leaping spark, it is generated in the soul and at once becomes self-sustaining.

The study of virtue and vice must be accompanied by an inquiry into what is false and true of the existence in general and must be carried on by constant practice through a long period. After practicing detail3ed comparisons of names, definitions, and visual and other sense perceptions, after scrutinizing them in benevolent disputation by the use of questions and answers without jealousy, at last a flash of understanding in each blazes up, and the mind, as it exerts all its powers to the limit of human capacity, is flooded with light." (Plato, Letter VII)


"Meditation is the summation of all energy. It is not to be gathered little by little, denying this and denying that, capturing this and holding on to that; but rather, it is the total denial without choice, of all wasteful energy. Choice is the outcome of confusion; and the essence of wasted energy is confusion and conflict. To see clearly what is at any time needs the attention of all energy; and in this there is no contradiction or duality. 
IN the total attention of meditation there is no knowing, no recognition nor the remembrance of something that has happened. Time and thought have entirely come to an end, for they are the center which limits its own vision." (The Only Revolution)

"......those who really apply themselves in the right way to philosophy are directly and of their own accord preparing themselves for dying and death." (Plato, Phaedo)

I'm also familiar with (though specific memories would require reminders at this point) Needleman (in writing). He impressed me as a "down to earth" man of "high culture" in the best and Spinozistic sense of that term.

Stuart