[Blindtlk] Wrestling with philosophy, reality, and times and technology that refuse to stay the same

[Gary Wunder]

This list has, for me, provoked some very stimulating thought, and I write
to say thank you. The other day I came across something I thought quite
relevant to what we do in trying to be consistent, relevant, and realistic.
The quote was from President Kennedy who was trying to explain the
complexities of the economy and here is what he said:

“As every past generation has had to disenthrall itself from an inheritance
of truisms and stereotypes, so in our own time we must move on from the
reassuring repetition of stale phrases to a new, difficult, but essential
confrontation with reality.  For the great enemy of the truth is—very
often—not the lie: deliberate; contrived; and dishonest; but the myth:
persistent; persuasive; and unrealistic.”

 “Too often we hold fast to the clichés of our forebares.  We subject all
facts to a prefabricated set of interpretations.  We enjoy the comfort of
opinion rather than the discomfort of thought.  Mythology distracts us
everywhere.“

I might change the word ideology for mythology, but I like the quote because
it reminds me that, while I have an opinion and the right to it, mine is but
one mind thinking about the world we face and how to address the problems
and possibilities it presents to us. I thank everyone who enriches my life
by giving me information to consider when forming my opinion and acting on
it.

Gary