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| Photo Credit: MorgueFile by Jus Ben |
I have been struggling for days to figure out what I want to write for my Team Ambiguity post. Well, in truth, I have been school clothes shopping, gardening, planning home school curriculum, book writing and occasionally letting my mind and internet searches wander into Team Ambiguity Land, so perhaps my problem is actually lack of focus. Anyway, whatever the reason, the result is that I have come up with nothing that fits well into a that particular format. The format I conceived–which I really, really like– is that I find an article which takes a shallow cut at what could be a really provocative and interesting conversation. And then we–Team Ambiguity– "examine the body," so to speak. All of us, through blogging and comments, say what there really is to say about that topic, free of the constraints of black-and-white, right-and-wrong, this-or-that. We have had some truly epic conversations this way. It has been, hands down, my favorite thing about blogging so far.
But I have a problem. Clearly not everything can be discussed this way. You all sent me some great ideas for discussion on my Facebook page, none of which I could figure out how to make into a Team Ambiguity post. I see the need for another format. What do we use when we just want to run into the internet cafe, set something on the table and say "Discuss"? What if we think it's fabulous just as it is and we want to talk more about it? I need a gimmick for that.
Well, today, we're going to try it. I want to talk about conception.
Get your minds out of the gutter. What I want to talk about is the "conception" that is synonymous with "understanding" or "idea." Come into my Conception Cafe, grab a latte or an herbal tea. We're going to chat. (I think I need help coming up with a new name for this cafe. People may look askance at out t-shirts otherwise. Please send suggestions.)
What I am interested in–what has me all tangled up in thought knots, chewing on my fists–is the way in which we conceive of the world and one another. Do you think the double meaning of the word is accidental? If I understand you in this way and not that way, I have given origin or cause to you in my understanding. I'm sorry if you are just waking up and now you have a headache. I can help.
Go read this. Really, right now. You won't be sorry.
Back now? So, my question is: What do you have to say? I look at Glennon's conversation inside what I am talking about–conception—and I am struck by my own laziness, the unlikeliness that I would ever speak to a stranger on a plane, the patience that it takes to see a conversation like that through, and the profound joy I have felt when I have done it. Conception. Understanding, idea. Conception. To give cause or origin to.
But before you say anything about that, read this. It's also worth your while. Not long. Well-written. Et cetera. Mind. Blowing. (Thanks, Kelly, for suggesting it.)
O.K. Now, let's hash this out. What is it about Russel Kirsch's conception of the world versus...oh, say, mine that allows him such innovation? What is the physical universe to him? What are numbers? What are roadblocks? What is self? He and I have such a fundamentally different understanding of the nature of reality and how reality interacts with humanity that I can mostly only stand in awe, mouth agape. Have I ever invented anything that was new? Innovated anything? Really?
I have learned some new things reading these blog posts.
- Talk to strangers.
- Stay humble.
- Listen.
But forget that. What do you all think? Talk it up. Post your comments, links, thoughts, diatribes, or cartoon drawings and start a conversation. It's all about conception, baby.
