J. R. Molloy writes
> [Lee wrote]
>> Can you explain more what you mean by direct experience
>> in the absence of thought?
>
> When the brain observes, listens, and feels without commenting...
> By direct experience in the absence of thought I mean first hand, in person
> experience. For example, the first time one bites into a tomato, the
> experience is direct and may occur without any thought happening at the same
> time. Driving a car 200 MPH, some drivers report that the experience displaces
> the ordinary stream of thought. It is direct and unfiltered by thinking about
> it. So direct experience in the absence of thought is nevertheless registered
> in the brain, and sometimes registered more vividly than would be the case if
> accompanied or diluted by thinking.
I see. Korzybski sometimes described this as "delaying the semantic reflex".
Now in the case of some information (usually discomforting information) I
can see a role for this process. What is the advantage in not thinking while
eating a tomato or driving a car?
>>> Who is it that seeks this control if not the old brain?
>>
>> Yes, it is the old mind---that is, our present minds---which
>> seek this control.
>
> Perhaps the word "mind" obscures the issue, because this word can be
> interpreted in more than one way. So I say parts of the brain seek
> control, and as the brain comes to recognize and acknowledge the
> unity of reality, it understands that control is an illusion.
It is *no* illusion. Our brains are already in great control of our
lives, and this control must be increased. Already we (admirably)
try to control more and more of our physical environment (just think
how comfortable your present surroundings are at this very moment).
Now *this* control will be ultimately unnecessary; we have to do it
now, otherwise we would be constantly bothered by our sensors indicating
that it is too hot or too cold, etc. Eventually we will control instead
our own *reactions* to that sensory information; there may be many
times when we want to be in a cold or hot environment because we possess
a powerful theory that says that the temperature won't really be disabling.
Our minds must also strive to achieve ever greater control over their
disparate parts. One friend of mine is having his life destroyed by
his "moodiness" or, and he and I say, by his lack of integrity. In
this context, of course, the term "integrity" means wholeness. His
life is unraveling just because he has no control over what he wants
on significant issues, and the inconsistencies (he says) drive to despair
the people closest to him. I wish to have greater control over my own
tendency to over-react. I wish to have greater control over my moods
(when I want to work and when I want to play). And the list goes on
and on. Which is one reason that the future beckons so brightly.
Lee
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