*
We are well used to discourse about desire,
as if it were the most well understood thing in the world.
*
Yet, it seems that, desire is more complex than we can reasonably credit.
*
Within any desire there are always numerous distinct sensations, to wit…
The state we leave, the state we go to, in addition to,
the sensation of this ‘leaving-and-going-to’ itself.
*
As well as these feelings there are also thoughts,
and in every desire, there is an overriding thought.
*
Finally, as a result, arising from this complex net of feelings and thoughts,
there is an affect which acts like an injunction…
‘I am free, but I must obey.’
*
This consciousness clings to every desire as, also,
does that focus of intent which fixes itself
on one thing with an uncompromising directive,
‘This and this alone is required, now!’
It can be seen…
*
The ‘I’ has autonomy.
The ‘I’ commands.
The ‘I’ obeys.
*
And yet, we believe ourselves to be a single entity
with a perfect understanding of our desires?
– Pieces of Nietzsche: A Thinker’s Bias
That is, indeed, a perplexing situation. I never thought of it before, but I can see how this belief would create issues within us. I studied philosophy with Nathaniel Brandon (via recordings) when he was still involved with Ayn Rand, and one of the philosophers we studied was Nietzsche. That was in the “labels” period of my life, so at that time I called myself a Libertarian, and that was the “thing to do” I guess. But I think that connecting ourselves too directly with something along these lines is that we tend to believe as the other students or the teacher or the Institution believes. Well, I am glad I am grown up now. Or at least I think I am grown up. Who knows? This may be just a beginning.
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It’s complex, like ‘Understanding understanding…’ I do try! Have walked in sizes 4 to 12…Still pondering. I guess that’s what most of us do…And it’s perplexing but fun.
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Sometimes something I think I want to move toward may be related to something I want to move away from, and then when that isn’t happening in the way or in the speed I have made up my mind it should happen within, then there is frustration, followed by false hope, followed by disappointment, followed by joy . . . until . . . . So yes, all of this makes a lot of sense. It feels at times like going around in circles, and do we end up back where we were when we started, or are we in a new place (figuratively speaking)? So much confusion over things that often look simple and one directional up front . . .
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Life seems to be going round in ever-decreasing complicated circles these days…
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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