Old Project Avalon Forum (ARCHIVE) - View Single Post - Why does the world seem to be completely insane?

doodah · 09-12-2008, 05:37 AM

Yes, very interesting. If we don't share metaphors we can't communicate.

Some time ago I came to understand two things:

1. That there are no "natural" human beings. All of us are enculturated, so we are in a sense all twisted in peculiar ways by all the metaphors you mention.

2. Every time you meet a person, you are in contact with a different culture, even if it's your "own" broader social group. Every time you enter a person's home, you enter a different culture.

What is required in all these circumstances, in order to understand who you are dealing with, is patience and observation. You have to pay attention and make very few assumptions, because all your assumptions will be based on your own culture (your own metaphors.)

Interesting post!

09-12-2008, 05:37 AM	#2
doodah Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 373	Re: Why does the world seem to be completely insane? Yes, very interesting. If we don't share metaphors we can't communicate. Some time ago I came to understand two things: 1. That there are no "natural" human beings. All of us are enculturated, so we are in a sense all twisted in peculiar ways by all the metaphors you mention. 2. Every time you meet a person, you are in contact with a different culture, even if it's your "own" broader social group. Every time you enter a person's home, you enter a different culture. What is required in all these circumstances, in order to understand who you are dealing with, is patience and observation. You have to pay attention and make very few assumptions, because all your assumptions will be based on your own culture (your own metaphors.) Interesting post!