In Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Pirsig distinguishes between the two thought processes by implying that Classical thinkers are more literal and tend to think more scientifically and rationally. Romantics on the other hand, tend to see what is in front of them and think of things more imaginatively or intuitively.
I have issues placing myself within either realm of thinking. I possess some classical qualities; I try to think rationally and realistically in most respects. I examine every outcome and possibility, almost to a fault. I love cars and I want to learn more about the mechanics and maintenance of them. However, I am not a scientific person. I have little patience for things like physics and chemistry. Despite my slight classical leanings, I find the classical way of thinking rather harsh and unfeeling.
I also have some Romantic qualities. I am fairly imaginative and often act on instinct. I love the way that some things are always changing and how things can be altered through simple means. I feel that putting too much thought into things often takes the beauty and fun out of like. Though I am a rational thinker, U realize that the best outcome frequently happen because of irrational decisions. I prefer to work through my emotions or instincts rather than with data, like in math and science. I am forever fascinated by the way that things like novels, politics and historical events can be interpreted and discussed, instead of being concrete answers with no sway.
Pirsig says that "both and valid ways of looking at the world although irreconcilable with each other." I completely and utterly disagree. I think it's incredibly foolish to think that people can be separated into two groups. No one would fit entirely into one group and if by some bizarre chance they did, they would lose out on the basics of beauty, be it scientific, superficial or emotional. Furthermore, if humans could be separated as such, they would not be irreconcilable, they would complement each other. Examples of this can be found in every day actions, like cooking. Cooking has a chemistry like quality to it, with processes and specific ingredients, yet by thinking creatively and intuitively, one can completely alter the dish. Basically, I think that everything, from actions to objects to people, have a bit of "classical thinking," a bit of "romantic thinking" and a hell of a lot of in between in them.
People employ the use of both classical and romantic thinking depending on the situation they are in. A classical way of thinking revolves around seeing something for the way it is, and keeping personal feelings separate from the equation. Classical thinking is objective. They are often logical decisions made based on reason and laws. Romantic thinking is the opposite. Romantic thinking revolves around emotional ties and subjective views. A person's feelings in their decisions are what makes them a romantic. It is very difficult to stay on one side with these ways of thinking, and humans generally lean more toward the middle than any one side.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to classify myself, I would say that I am more of a classical thinker than a romantic thinker because the majority of my decisions are based on what I believe is necessary or proper. I complete my school work with my best efforts because I know that the knowledge will benefit me and serve a purpose for being accepted into a college of my choosing. A romantic would view a stressful workload as too straining to want to continue. I maintain a healthy diet in order to live longer and avoid health risks, where a romantic decision would be to eat things that look or taste good, regardless of risk of health issues. Of course, I do make decisions based on how I feel, for it is very difficult to think in only one of these methods. However, the parts of my life ruled by classical thinking are the things I take seriously. Things that I know must be kept in check such as school, work, and physical well-being are enforced with classical thinking in order to assure that the most logical and safe decision is made. Things that aren't as important, such as what movie I see with friends, or what gifts I hope to get for my birthday are romantic thoughts, because it is okay to make judgements based on feelings when there is no harm being done by not making an informed decision.
It's interesting that you say you wouldn't categorize yourself as either type of thinker, because according to Pirsig that's a very romantic thing to say. I agree with you that no individual fits into one category or the other exclusively. Our lives are made up of millions of decisions, and I don't think there's only one light in which we consider these choices. I'd say that the best decisions people make are usually those where logic and emotion both have influence.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that you say you don't want to classify yourself (or anyone else), because that's a very romantic thing to say. But I agree with you--I think that a purely classic understanding of the world can be cold and unfeeling. A world completely governed by science would be an uninspiring world to live in.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that placing all of humanity into two categories is ridiculous and that no one would truly fit. I also agree that the two views are not irreconcilable and do compliment each other quite often. Cooking is an excellent example! I think your point about being all one way or all the other would retract from the beauty of the world is also a very good point.
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