There are two ways of coping: to develop a way, a set pattern of responding, or to try something new, to improvise. This is true of our personal lives, but also true on the level of cultural history. There was once a way: that is, a cultural tradition. The West had a mythological framework, built up over centuries like a coral reef, within which life had meaning and direction. I tried to sketch the outlines of traditional Western mythology in
Excellent observations, as always. It would be interesting to hear you speculate more about how it's possible to go *too* far with improvisation and what are the limits. Mao's Cultural Revolution was initiated using many of the arguments you cite. Was the Tower of Babel a glorious model of vive la différence?
Excellent observations, as always. It would be interesting to hear you speculate more about how it's possible to go *too* far with improvisation and what are the limits. Mao's Cultural Revolution was initiated using many of the arguments you cite. Was the Tower of Babel a glorious model of vive la différence?