The neutral relationship originates in the plant world. Sunlight provides unlimited energy for the plants. And so each individual plant needs only the sun, and adequate water and minerals to survive. Individual plants have no relationship with each other. Plants have no awareness of each other, they ignore each other. … The values of human Neutrality parallel the laws of plant neutrality. Free and independent citizens relate to each other as equals. They are prohibited from hurting another free and independent citizen, but that are not required to help another citizen. (01/10/02)
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Alfred Korzybski writing in 1921 — These definitions of the cardinal classes of life are, it will be noted, obtained from direct observation; they are so simple and so important that I cannot over-emphasize the necessity of grasping them and most especially the definition of Man. For these simple definitions and especially that of Humanity will profoundly transform the whole conception of human life in every field of interest and activity; and, what is more important than all, the definition of Man will give us a starting point for discovering the natural laws of human nature-of the human class of life. The definitions of the classes of life represent the different classes as distinct in respect to dimensionality; and this is extremely important for no measure or rule of one class can be applied to the other, without making grave mistakes. For example, to treat a human being as an animal-as a mere space-binder-because humans have certain animal propensities, is an error of the same type and grossness as to treat a cube as a surface because it has surface properties. It is absolutely essential to grasp that fact if we are ever to have a science of human nature. (01/10/02)
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L.W. Nicholson writes: The article, “When Should We Have Stopped, by Richard Douthwaite, published in “Irish Times” Dec. 29, 2001, is an excellent article concerning technology and a sustainable society. It is an article that should be read by every North American citizen, and this subject taught in every high school and college. However I have serious doubts that it will be reprinted in any popular newspaper or magazine, or the subject taught in any major school in the U.S. or Canada. There is little doubt that thousands of people in this country are aware, and concerned, that these problems may never be solved. Perhaps there is no solution, or if there is, that solution may not be well received by the political and financial “leaders.” (01/10/02)
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