Thank you for another great posting. I am an extreme introvert - but love being on-stage, occasionally - and doing poetry recitals with factoid quips in between each poem about the poet, what was going on in their lives when they wrote the poem (very important), and usually something about poetics.
It takes me hours and hours to rehearse these recitals, not so much to learn the poems themselves off by heart - but to hone the talking in between to poems, to get it to flow, to consider altering the sequence of poems, and so on - to optimise the overall 'impact' of the solo recital (about 45 mins). It is like a symphony, with its highs and lows, its impact pauses (as you say) -- and to make sure it has an iron-cast totally-rehearsed beginning and ending.
As a factoid, JFK was a fan of Robert Frost, who read a poem at JFK's inauguration. Frost died a couple of years later and JFK was asked to give a speech in Frost's honour which he duly did on 26th Oct, 1963, at Amherst College, Frost's alma mater. During this speech about the role of the arts and poetry in society, JFK said - "Where politics corrupts, poetry cleanses". Less than a month later, Kennedy was assassinated. I wonder sometimes if it was done by someone who hated poetry, who hated the power of 'art' to call misused political power to account. After all, it's the poets and free thinkers who get sent to the gulag first by authoritarian regimes. (Just a wild thought).
Kennedy also said: "A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on" ... and I think the idea of well-constructed speeches is absolutely an idea that needs to 'live on' at a new level in these days of sound-bite polemics.
Thank YOU Joshua and wow, your comment is truly inspiring! I like how you describe your process of honing your poetry recitals, to some extent I try this with lectures, but not to the degree of honing the tone as you do. The hours of rehearsal you dedicate to crafting the flow and impact of your performance are a testament to your commitment to the art. The 'symphony' analogy is wonderful – it perfectly captures the dynamic nature of a well-crafted performance.
The JFK and Robert Frost connection is fascinating, I had no idea about him reading the poem at JFK's inauguration, and your reflection on the power of art to challenge political corruption is deeply thought-provoking.
Your work in bringing poetry to life is truly valuable, and your perspective on the importance of well-constructed speeches in today's world is exactly what I hoped to convey. Thank you for sharing your experience and fabulous insights. They keep me thinking!
Thank you. If you know of any particular poems that have struck you with an 'aha' moment, and/or as a 'timely guidance', I'd be interested to know -- because it helps me get clearer about what sorts of poems are meaningful to people.
Thank you for that. Szymboska is in my repertoire with her poem "The End and the Beginning". I'm a fan of hers but strangely don't recall reading 'The Three Oddest Words' before, in either of my books of her poetry. So am very grateful to add something new.
"The End and the Beginning" is harrowing, even more so given Szymboska's awareness of the horrors of war and the aftermath... and then there is the beginning.
This in and of itself is a beautiful, powerful piece of writing, which I will read again several more times and will repost. Any great chef, artist, poet, orator or writer understands that simplicity requires authenticity because there is nowhere to hide when such a piece is created and presented with an aura of simplicity and such simplicity can take lifetimes of study, practice and determination. When an artist can draw a simple line on paper and captivate millions in doing so, it is something to behold. The fact that AI might at some point be able to copy such eloquence isn’t the point. The tragedy will be the loss of the human Spirit that is inspired to create something from the ethers that is beautiful, which lifts our collective consciousness and inspires others to do the same. Without it we will sit by and watch our minds, Spirits and vocal cords atrophy until we no longer have the muscle power or muscle memory to pick up a paintbrush or a pen or to speak with resonance.
Your comment beautifully expands on the themes I explored, thank you. I especially appreciate your point about the 'loss of the human Spirit.' That's precisely what I fear, the erosion of that unique, authentic voice in an increasingly automated world. Plus, a deeper connection may also be destroyed as people turn inward.
Your analogy to the artist's simple line is a perfect illustration of the power of genuine expression.
This powerfully conveys how I feel about public speaking. it is all you say, and it remains an indispensable skill. I am an introvert, who became a speaker, much to my surprise.When you have an idea that matters, speaking becomes doable. Perhaps this is why so many introverts, and deep thinkers, become speakers. I own two books on compelling speeches of the last 200+ years. I read one often, for they inspire a love of language." I have a Dream" is a metaphor driven speech delivered by a man driven by his dream. It’s why to listen to it even today, one’s emotions are stirred, as with most of Churchill's speeches during the war. These speeches, and the Gettysburg address, I’ve read aloud to teens, in the public speaking course I created specifically for that age. A speech with heart first can often make up for less well done rhetorical flourish, although it is always improved by it. Today, I privately mentor those who seek to impact society and seek to do it through speaking. Speaking and writing compliment one another, and it remains a human endeavour. As you said, “To write well is to think well, and to think well is to live well.” and, I'd add to speak well is to become an inspiration for others.
Thank you so much for sharing your personal journey and insights. It's incredibly inspiring to hear how another introvert discovered their voice through public speaking. You've perfectly captured the essence of why these skills remain vital, the power of an idea that compels you to speak. Your passion for those historical speeches is palpable, and I like so much that you share them with teens. It's so true that 'a speech with heart first' is what truly connects. I deeply appreciate your addition, 'to speak well is to become an inspiration for others.' That sentiment perfectly complements what I sought to convey. Thank you for your work in mentoring others and making a real difference
Veronika has multiple (etymological) dictionaries in various languages, including 20+ hard-copy volumes of Grimms, and I have dictionaries of famous speeches. Perhaps it's an insider introvert thing. It's o.k; no-one else need know. :)
I listened to a 15+ minute talk the other day by a Christian at a conference organised by ARC (Alliance for Responsible Citizenship). I didn't totally agree with him, but I admired the construction and delivery of his talk. The flow of a talk interests me at least as much as the content.
Yes, us introverts need to keep our secrets ; I'm not surprised Veronika has so many- it's why her writing is so delight-filled ,as I like knowing the etymological foundations of words. I taught English words via their Greek and Latin origins to enhance vocabulary acquisition to students. Alas, I only have one etymological dictionary, but I do have two thesauruses, and a reverse language dictionary, amongst my collection of rhetoric and speaking books. I love famous speeches, especially older ones that are often so well crafted. I've use them for the teens to practice with, for the flow of language is what one feels. Oh, I do have one secret-- when I find a sentence that 'sings', I write it on an index card. Hard core linguaphile. I listened to those ARC speeches as well, so I'm curious which person you admired. I appreciate the flow of talk as much as the content , and when I resonate with both, it's incredible.
Veronika's writing is sublime, rich in depth and meaning.
The etymology of words is fascinating, I regularly scour around to find out where phrases originated, especially ones in my AI field or in the Law. It is wonderful to have them at your fingertips.
Sublime- what a perfect word to describe Veronika's writings. My high school offered Latin, so when I was 13, I entered the world of etymology, and I was fascinated. The teacher taught Economics at the school, and offered Latin purely because he wanted to delve into it more. As he was learning as we went along, we really were co-learners, a perfect combination for a fabulous class, as only the word geeks took it ;) I am incredibly grateful for that experience, passed that love for words unto my sons, one of whom has a minor in Latin. Several of ARC's speakers offer research papers on the ARC web site. An interesting aside, they spoke for free. Sophie Winkleman's speech begins with an anecdote that frames her speech to immediately grab your attention. I appreciate that many speeches at ARC are rich in sparking thoughtful reflection.
Wonderful lecture, Joshua thank you. Care is absolutely important to all of us. Much more than 'stuff'. I also watched Jonathan in the interview at ARC - about human identity in this digital age.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa-MK6l_hgE&t=937s
Have just watched the link - great, thank you. I thought Mary Harrington's point about the abandonment of two of Aristotle's four causes (7min.30secs) was a key point, as was her later distinction between AI as a tool to help relating to other people, and AI as a substitute for other people.
Although to me; as a linguist, the findings are not entirely surprising, I've never read it in that way and wasn't familiar with the research you're sharing here
In this context you might also be interested in the symbiotic theory of language (see here
A key argument of the Leiden School of language evolution is that "Language has greatly augmented our reproductive fitness to the detriment of countless other macroscopic species. Language, therefore, is a mutualist symbiont."
August Schleicher, a German linguist wrote in 1863 this astonishing statement: “languages are natural organisms, which appeared, without being determinable by the human will, which grew and developed according to particular laws, only to grow old and die off again; they also have a range of characteristic phenomena, which are understood to constitute what is called ‘life’.”
(this is a German quote from the text I've linked here, translation is my own)
You write "A speech is not a mere transference of information, it is a performance, a choreography of words. It must have rhythm...."
I totally agree and would add that the same is true for any well written piece!
Thank You Veronika. I'm always fascinated by how language intersects with so many different fields, and your reference to the symbiotic theory is a perfect example, I was not familiar with the paper, it is fascinating. I'm particularly intrigued by the idea of language as a 'mutualist symbiont.' It's a powerful way to frame the relationship between humans and language.
The August Schleicher quote you shared is also so profound - beautiful. I'm glad you resonated with the point about rhythm and performance, I think it is a fundamental aspect of effective communication, whether spoken or written as you often show. Thank you for enriching the conversation.
it's a pleasure to meet someone equally excited and intrigued about language. I wasn't aware of the 'language as our mutualist symbiont' theory either until I started to think about a 'language for the symbiocene' (which led to my substack 'Symbiopædia')
Well written or spoken language is like music to me. Well chosen words are as delicious and pleasurable as a well prepared meal, no?
So beautifully expressed - "Well chosen words are as delicious and pleasurable as a well prepared meal." Absolutely true. I am fascinated by etymology and also the history of writing. I will spend more time reading Symbiopædia.
I just finished an article for one of my courses, where I quote the work 'On Machines and Living Beings' by Maturana and Varela (also known as Autopoiesis and Cognition: The Realization of the Living). On my course I discuss the foundations of AI, from Cybernetics, which Maturana and Varela had an interest in. But more importantly I discuss The Zettelkasten: Niklas Luhmann’s Thinking Machine. Borrowing from the biological concept coined by Maturana and Varela, Luhmann posited that social systems are "autopoietic", self-creating, self-sustaining, and largely impervious to external interference.
In my view, Maturana and Varela are foundational authors for the AI researcher. We are dealing with thought, words, language and, in the view of the original AI researchers, 'building systems which replicate the human mind', (not my words and something I am not fond of). Nevertheless, in my view, Maturana and Varela are essential reading for words and understanding. I especially like their book The Tree of Knowledge. The Biological Roots of Human Understanding. Are you familiar with this?
As an aside, there is an interesting story behind the word 'Autopoiesis' ... Maturana writes "I am grateful to Jose for the conversation that we had, and also to his wife, Verónica, who suggested an alternative word, “autopraxis" - I mention this because of your name sake (although different spelling!). https://manoftheword.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/maturana-autopoiesis-20-years-after.pdf
Absolutely! Maturana & Varela are two of my 'heroes'. I write about the principles of autopoiesis, as explained in the 'Tree of Knowledge' ("living organisms create/ generate their own environment through acts of knowing") based on that, I have translated these principles into self-organising /self-sustaining activities of the human organism, using acts of knowing produced by living organisms of individual human Consciousness.
(anyway, it's all in my book 'Synchronosophy: A Rough Guide to the Feral Side of Life' published here on substack ~ I'll write the epilogue and introduction in the next couple of weeks)
Thanks for the link about autopraxis, I'll definitely look into that as well 🙏
It's wonderful to connect with someone who shares an appreciation for Maturana and Varela! Their work has had a profound impact on my own thinking.
Your application of autopoiesis to human consciousness is a compelling perspective. The concept of 'acts of knowing' shaping our environment at the individual level is incredibly powerful. If that is how I understand you.
I'm very interested in the ideas you've developed in 'Synchronosophy.' I will read with great interest.
Yes! That's exactly how I understand and mean it. This concept developed in response to the unusual question: "What is the good reason for negative experience?"
The question was born from the premise that no human in their right mind would intentionally 'create negative experiences' for themselves. So whatever we are intentionally creating (via acts of knowing) is trying to avoid the negative.
The answers I received revealed to me the deeper purpose of negative experience ~ as powerful acts of knowing ~ if we care to listen....
Thank you for another great posting. I am an extreme introvert - but love being on-stage, occasionally - and doing poetry recitals with factoid quips in between each poem about the poet, what was going on in their lives when they wrote the poem (very important), and usually something about poetics.
It takes me hours and hours to rehearse these recitals, not so much to learn the poems themselves off by heart - but to hone the talking in between to poems, to get it to flow, to consider altering the sequence of poems, and so on - to optimise the overall 'impact' of the solo recital (about 45 mins). It is like a symphony, with its highs and lows, its impact pauses (as you say) -- and to make sure it has an iron-cast totally-rehearsed beginning and ending.
As a factoid, JFK was a fan of Robert Frost, who read a poem at JFK's inauguration. Frost died a couple of years later and JFK was asked to give a speech in Frost's honour which he duly did on 26th Oct, 1963, at Amherst College, Frost's alma mater. During this speech about the role of the arts and poetry in society, JFK said - "Where politics corrupts, poetry cleanses". Less than a month later, Kennedy was assassinated. I wonder sometimes if it was done by someone who hated poetry, who hated the power of 'art' to call misused political power to account. After all, it's the poets and free thinkers who get sent to the gulag first by authoritarian regimes. (Just a wild thought).
Kennedy also said: "A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on" ... and I think the idea of well-constructed speeches is absolutely an idea that needs to 'live on' at a new level in these days of sound-bite polemics.
Thank YOU Joshua and wow, your comment is truly inspiring! I like how you describe your process of honing your poetry recitals, to some extent I try this with lectures, but not to the degree of honing the tone as you do. The hours of rehearsal you dedicate to crafting the flow and impact of your performance are a testament to your commitment to the art. The 'symphony' analogy is wonderful – it perfectly captures the dynamic nature of a well-crafted performance.
The JFK and Robert Frost connection is fascinating, I had no idea about him reading the poem at JFK's inauguration, and your reflection on the power of art to challenge political corruption is deeply thought-provoking.
Your work in bringing poetry to life is truly valuable, and your perspective on the importance of well-constructed speeches in today's world is exactly what I hoped to convey. Thank you for sharing your experience and fabulous insights. They keep me thinking!
Thank you. If you know of any particular poems that have struck you with an 'aha' moment, and/or as a 'timely guidance', I'd be interested to know -- because it helps me get clearer about what sorts of poems are meaningful to people.
I often return to this, but it is a matter of taste and play on words
The Three Oddest Words
When I pronounce the word Future,
the first syllable already belongs to the past.
When I pronounce the word Silence,
I destroy it.
When I pronounce the word Nothing,
I make something no non-being can hold.
By Wisława Szymborska
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/1996/szymborska/poetry/
Thank you for that. Szymboska is in my repertoire with her poem "The End and the Beginning". I'm a fan of hers but strangely don't recall reading 'The Three Oddest Words' before, in either of my books of her poetry. So am very grateful to add something new.
"The End and the Beginning" is harrowing, even more so given Szymboska's awareness of the horrors of war and the aftermath... and then there is the beginning.
This in and of itself is a beautiful, powerful piece of writing, which I will read again several more times and will repost. Any great chef, artist, poet, orator or writer understands that simplicity requires authenticity because there is nowhere to hide when such a piece is created and presented with an aura of simplicity and such simplicity can take lifetimes of study, practice and determination. When an artist can draw a simple line on paper and captivate millions in doing so, it is something to behold. The fact that AI might at some point be able to copy such eloquence isn’t the point. The tragedy will be the loss of the human Spirit that is inspired to create something from the ethers that is beautiful, which lifts our collective consciousness and inspires others to do the same. Without it we will sit by and watch our minds, Spirits and vocal cords atrophy until we no longer have the muscle power or muscle memory to pick up a paintbrush or a pen or to speak with resonance.
Your comment beautifully expands on the themes I explored, thank you. I especially appreciate your point about the 'loss of the human Spirit.' That's precisely what I fear, the erosion of that unique, authentic voice in an increasingly automated world. Plus, a deeper connection may also be destroyed as people turn inward.
Your analogy to the artist's simple line is a perfect illustration of the power of genuine expression.
This powerfully conveys how I feel about public speaking. it is all you say, and it remains an indispensable skill. I am an introvert, who became a speaker, much to my surprise.When you have an idea that matters, speaking becomes doable. Perhaps this is why so many introverts, and deep thinkers, become speakers. I own two books on compelling speeches of the last 200+ years. I read one often, for they inspire a love of language." I have a Dream" is a metaphor driven speech delivered by a man driven by his dream. It’s why to listen to it even today, one’s emotions are stirred, as with most of Churchill's speeches during the war. These speeches, and the Gettysburg address, I’ve read aloud to teens, in the public speaking course I created specifically for that age. A speech with heart first can often make up for less well done rhetorical flourish, although it is always improved by it. Today, I privately mentor those who seek to impact society and seek to do it through speaking. Speaking and writing compliment one another, and it remains a human endeavour. As you said, “To write well is to think well, and to think well is to live well.” and, I'd add to speak well is to become an inspiration for others.
Thank you so much for sharing your personal journey and insights. It's incredibly inspiring to hear how another introvert discovered their voice through public speaking. You've perfectly captured the essence of why these skills remain vital, the power of an idea that compels you to speak. Your passion for those historical speeches is palpable, and I like so much that you share them with teens. It's so true that 'a speech with heart first' is what truly connects. I deeply appreciate your addition, 'to speak well is to become an inspiration for others.' That sentiment perfectly complements what I sought to convey. Thank you for your work in mentoring others and making a real difference
Veronika has multiple (etymological) dictionaries in various languages, including 20+ hard-copy volumes of Grimms, and I have dictionaries of famous speeches. Perhaps it's an insider introvert thing. It's o.k; no-one else need know. :)
I listened to a 15+ minute talk the other day by a Christian at a conference organised by ARC (Alliance for Responsible Citizenship). I didn't totally agree with him, but I admired the construction and delivery of his talk. The flow of a talk interests me at least as much as the content.
Yes, us introverts need to keep our secrets ; I'm not surprised Veronika has so many- it's why her writing is so delight-filled ,as I like knowing the etymological foundations of words. I taught English words via their Greek and Latin origins to enhance vocabulary acquisition to students. Alas, I only have one etymological dictionary, but I do have two thesauruses, and a reverse language dictionary, amongst my collection of rhetoric and speaking books. I love famous speeches, especially older ones that are often so well crafted. I've use them for the teens to practice with, for the flow of language is what one feels. Oh, I do have one secret-- when I find a sentence that 'sings', I write it on an index card. Hard core linguaphile. I listened to those ARC speeches as well, so I'm curious which person you admired. I appreciate the flow of talk as much as the content , and when I resonate with both, it's incredible.
Veronika's writing is sublime, rich in depth and meaning.
The etymology of words is fascinating, I regularly scour around to find out where phrases originated, especially ones in my AI field or in the Law. It is wonderful to have them at your fingertips.
I am now down the rabbit hole of the ARC talks!
Sublime- what a perfect word to describe Veronika's writings. My high school offered Latin, so when I was 13, I entered the world of etymology, and I was fascinated. The teacher taught Economics at the school, and offered Latin purely because he wanted to delve into it more. As he was learning as we went along, we really were co-learners, a perfect combination for a fabulous class, as only the word geeks took it ;) I am incredibly grateful for that experience, passed that love for words unto my sons, one of whom has a minor in Latin. Several of ARC's speakers offer research papers on the ARC web site. An interesting aside, they spoke for free. Sophie Winkleman's speech begins with an anecdote that frames her speech to immediately grab your attention. I appreciate that many speeches at ARC are rich in sparking thoughtful reflection.
thank you both! Delighted to receive such glorious feedback and hear that my work is so well received 🙏 💕 ✨
pure nectar for the writer's soul 🥂 xxx
The talk was this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsmqhu8-L1E by Jonathan Pageau on "The Supreme Good".
... but I have not listened to that many (ARC conference talks) to compare him with.
Wonderful lecture, Joshua thank you. Care is absolutely important to all of us. Much more than 'stuff'. I also watched Jonathan in the interview at ARC - about human identity in this digital age.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa-MK6l_hgE&t=937s
Have just watched the link - great, thank you. I thought Mary Harrington's point about the abandonment of two of Aristotle's four causes (7min.30secs) was a key point, as was her later distinction between AI as a tool to help relating to other people, and AI as a substitute for other people.
Fascinating exploration, Colin, thank you!
Although to me; as a linguist, the findings are not entirely surprising, I've never read it in that way and wasn't familiar with the research you're sharing here
In this context you might also be interested in the symbiotic theory of language (see here
https://semioticon.com/virtuals/imitation/van_driem_paper.pdf ) Maybe you know it already?
A key argument of the Leiden School of language evolution is that "Language has greatly augmented our reproductive fitness to the detriment of countless other macroscopic species. Language, therefore, is a mutualist symbiont."
August Schleicher, a German linguist wrote in 1863 this astonishing statement: “languages are natural organisms, which appeared, without being determinable by the human will, which grew and developed according to particular laws, only to grow old and die off again; they also have a range of characteristic phenomena, which are understood to constitute what is called ‘life’.”
(this is a German quote from the text I've linked here, translation is my own)
You write "A speech is not a mere transference of information, it is a performance, a choreography of words. It must have rhythm...."
I totally agree and would add that the same is true for any well written piece!
Thank You Veronika. I'm always fascinated by how language intersects with so many different fields, and your reference to the symbiotic theory is a perfect example, I was not familiar with the paper, it is fascinating. I'm particularly intrigued by the idea of language as a 'mutualist symbiont.' It's a powerful way to frame the relationship between humans and language.
The August Schleicher quote you shared is also so profound - beautiful. I'm glad you resonated with the point about rhythm and performance, I think it is a fundamental aspect of effective communication, whether spoken or written as you often show. Thank you for enriching the conversation.
it's a pleasure to meet someone equally excited and intrigued about language. I wasn't aware of the 'language as our mutualist symbiont' theory either until I started to think about a 'language for the symbiocene' (which led to my substack 'Symbiopædia')
Well written or spoken language is like music to me. Well chosen words are as delicious and pleasurable as a well prepared meal, no?
So beautifully expressed - "Well chosen words are as delicious and pleasurable as a well prepared meal." Absolutely true. I am fascinated by etymology and also the history of writing. I will spend more time reading Symbiopædia.
I just finished an article for one of my courses, where I quote the work 'On Machines and Living Beings' by Maturana and Varela (also known as Autopoiesis and Cognition: The Realization of the Living). On my course I discuss the foundations of AI, from Cybernetics, which Maturana and Varela had an interest in. But more importantly I discuss The Zettelkasten: Niklas Luhmann’s Thinking Machine. Borrowing from the biological concept coined by Maturana and Varela, Luhmann posited that social systems are "autopoietic", self-creating, self-sustaining, and largely impervious to external interference.
In my view, Maturana and Varela are foundational authors for the AI researcher. We are dealing with thought, words, language and, in the view of the original AI researchers, 'building systems which replicate the human mind', (not my words and something I am not fond of). Nevertheless, in my view, Maturana and Varela are essential reading for words and understanding. I especially like their book The Tree of Knowledge. The Biological Roots of Human Understanding. Are you familiar with this?
As an aside, there is an interesting story behind the word 'Autopoiesis' ... Maturana writes "I am grateful to Jose for the conversation that we had, and also to his wife, Verónica, who suggested an alternative word, “autopraxis" - I mention this because of your name sake (although different spelling!). https://manoftheword.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/maturana-autopoiesis-20-years-after.pdf
Absolutely! Maturana & Varela are two of my 'heroes'. I write about the principles of autopoiesis, as explained in the 'Tree of Knowledge' ("living organisms create/ generate their own environment through acts of knowing") based on that, I have translated these principles into self-organising /self-sustaining activities of the human organism, using acts of knowing produced by living organisms of individual human Consciousness.
(anyway, it's all in my book 'Synchronosophy: A Rough Guide to the Feral Side of Life' published here on substack ~ I'll write the epilogue and introduction in the next couple of weeks)
Thanks for the link about autopraxis, I'll definitely look into that as well 🙏
It's wonderful to connect with someone who shares an appreciation for Maturana and Varela! Their work has had a profound impact on my own thinking.
Your application of autopoiesis to human consciousness is a compelling perspective. The concept of 'acts of knowing' shaping our environment at the individual level is incredibly powerful. If that is how I understand you.
I'm very interested in the ideas you've developed in 'Synchronosophy.' I will read with great interest.
Yes! That's exactly how I understand and mean it. This concept developed in response to the unusual question: "What is the good reason for negative experience?"
The question was born from the premise that no human in their right mind would intentionally 'create negative experiences' for themselves. So whatever we are intentionally creating (via acts of knowing) is trying to avoid the negative.
The answers I received revealed to me the deeper purpose of negative experience ~ as powerful acts of knowing ~ if we care to listen....