Lakey,
Thanks for your kind acknowledgements!
As you say, there's no need to dissect a post unless the reader finds something to elaborate. And, please, don't feel you need to dissect this one!
One thing that's very different on the internet is the lack of eye contact and visual cues. If we were sitting around as a group, having coffee, a simple nod would be enough to show agreement, interest, or acknowledement. The internet is evolving it's own etiquette, but it's not complete. We haven't developed an easy way to communicate the physical cues we interject, non-verbally.
In person, an enthusiastic facial expression can be enough to express, "Lakey, great point, hold that thought while I finish up." In person, you can visually detemine when someone simply sits back to listen for awhile. When you 'sit back' on the net, you've disappeared.
For you and I, unless something compelling comes along, maybe it's time to sit back and listen, a bit.
Still, I did want to shout,
"Hear, Hear" - in response to your point that the internet allows, "diverse people of good will...coming to agreement and that creates a lot of truth and a lot of power".
You couldn't be more right! What all of us are doing,
right now, discoursing, sharing ideas, elaborating experience and seeking truth, is exactly the philosophy Socrates advocated. I am completely serious in this. If Socrates and Plato were alive today, they would be writing on message boards!
Let me also say, that the internet is not only creating new ways to communicate, but a new literary form as well. In the 19th century, letter corresondence on topics of the day were often published, establishing the 'belles lettres' literary tradition. Writing on internet message boards is reshaping that genre.
The internet enables
all of us to publish our thoughts to an unlimited readership. It's the 'belles lettres' tradition, in 'real time', with a 'stadium audience'. Nothing like this has ever existed before and I find it incredibly exciting!
The personal stories of ex-scientogists are an unparalleled example of this new literature. I've read nearly all of the personal stories at ESMB and OCMB. They are important testaments, but also compelling and often quite beautiful literary accomplishments.
So there's 'food for thought' for those who like to cogitate such matters!
As you said, the power of these internet discussions is that they raise new insights. The very
act of writing generates new ideas. In your last post, you 'couldn't think of much to add' and yet, presented a scientology observation I had never considered -
"anachronism".
That's a very cogent reflection and it could easily warrant a seperate thread! You wrote:
Besides all the truth being revealed about it, I am starting to think that Scientology is passe and anachronistic. Its hay day was the 1950's, 60's and 70's. At that time it seemed cutting edge, state of the art mental tech. As we approach the 2010's it now seems stale and out of date. The use of the Naval uniforms is just totally incorrect in today's world as one small point.
Scientology as
"anachronism" - unable to reseat itself in our modern age. That's a fascinating viewpoint and I'd love to hear 'exes' delve into the 'hows whys and wherefores' on that idea!
So there you go - you're generating 'big thoughts' and new ideas, without even trying!
Best, fisherman