Cyracuz wrote:coberst wrote:The reason I post my essays is to introduce to the reader an idea that the reader is not likely to be conscious (attention) of. If the reader becomes conscious of the idea maybe s/he might become curious enough to explore the matter further. I want the reader to become knowledgable about the idea because I think these ideas are important to the individual and to the society.
My reasons are pretty much entirely oposite. I do not presume to enlighten, and I post my thoughts to be challenged or proven wrong(whenever I don't post in sheer vanity:) ). I will resist, of course, but if a valid objection cannot be explained I have gained something. So my motives are pretty selfish, because I think that imposing your critical nature on another can deprive that one of his chance to find his own critical nature.
There are many important concepts that most people are unconscious of.
When I have studied a matter and feel confident about my understanding. I write an essay to organize and analyze my understanding I post these essays because it is important, I think, that everyone become conscious of these matters because consciousness is the begining of knowledge.
Hopefully the reader will become curious and go to the books to determine for him or herself what they think is the truth of the matter.
If those who have experienced a matter intellectually and do not try to enlighten others who will write the books and the articles and the essays that lead to knowledge and understanding.
I think we should resist all the anti-intellectual efforts to make people fear to display intellectual accomplishments. Such anti-intellectual attitudes play havoc with the attempt by young people to excel in school.
Everyone should be proud of intellectual achievements.
