Alone in the Tropics on Zero Shadow Day
I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.
—Plutarch (46-120 AD)
What's a Shadow?
Alone in the Tropics on Zero Shadow Day
I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.
—Plutarch (46-120 AD)
The titled responsion is "Alone in the Tropics on Zero Shadow Day". Personally, I think you should look this up. Have you consulted the Google Oracle lately? In this instance, you want to search "zero shadow day", unless, of course, you live somewhere on the earth, plus or minus 23.5 degrees. I am being a little cryptic here but my intention isn't to be confusing, I am tempting you with an a priori forme of interpretation.
Better than interpretation, my definition of a hermeneutic is understanding. In fact, I introduce a hermeneutic meme as an individual unit of understanding and so what would that consist of? How would you describe that ah-ha moment when the action potentials break through that threshold of biological felt experience. It feels good, doesn't it?
Actually, the felt experience of understanding is something that is context-dependent. You could, for instance, come to the sudden realization that you no longer have a shadow. Doubt is not what I am referring to as that is too Cartesian for the point that I am trying to make, besides the coordinate system that will reveal itself depending on where in the world you live. Remember in order for you to actually experience zero shadow day you have to live in a latitude that is plus or minus 23.5 degrees.
The honest responsion is the best responsion, and far as I am concerned, conversation skills trump brutal honesty without sacrificing the quality of the communication the or an animal! What's your approach to the ideal conversation?
Plutarch's quote is a thought-provoking statement that highlights the importance of genuine, honest relationships over those based on superficial agreement and conformity. The quote suggests that Plutarch would only need a friend who simply agrees with him and acts as his shadow on a rare day like Zero Shadow Day in the tropics, when the sun is directly overhead and one's shadow is not visible.
However, in the context of everyday life, Plutarch values a friend who challenges him and brings new perspectives to their relationship. Such a friend is a valuable asset in personal growth and self-discovery, as they help us question our beliefs and consider alternative viewpoints. In this sense, a friend is not just a reflection of ourselves, but a source of new ideas and experiences.
This idea is reminiscent of philosopher Aristotle's belief that friendship is a relationship built on mutual respect and a shared desire for each other's well-being. Aristotle believed that true friends seek the good for each other and help each other become better individuals. In this sense, a friend is not just a companion, but a partner in growth and self-improvement.
In conclusion, Plutarch's quote highlights the importance of authenticity and honesty in relationships. While it may be tempting to surround ourselves with people who simply agree with us, true growth and self-discovery come from relationships built on mutual respect and a shared desire for each other's well-being. In a world where conformity is often the norm, Plutarch's words serve as a reminder of the value of genuine friendship.
Misplaced Modesty
The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.
—Michelangelo (1475-1564)
The titled responsion is a perversion of sorts. In this case, Michelango is referring to the power of darkness that we are all aware of. The positivists amongst us need not worry about this non-material, perhaps poetic overture of butchered poetic perfectibility. Why perfect you may ask? I will tell you.
The imagined forme is, in an ideal sense, the perfect forme and nothing of this earthly forme can come close to the pre-interpretive forme that is all around us. Some say divine but as all Good philosophers will insist on, we must define our terms and for me (Plato), the ideal is in itself, made manifest through the acts of others and the reality that is.
Why is it that I continually bring up Plato? Is it, as the subtitle of this responsion to Michelango suggests—misplaced modesty? I think not, the true perversion is the neglect of Ancient Greece from our dominant culture. This is probably because of the grounded transcendence that is the cross and the sacrifice by god's only son. The "sun" that I am referring to is a pagan aberration and not a second coming or reincarnation that the Christian cult is unapologetically orientating the west away from.
I could be wrong but as Plato taught us, the origin is the most beautiful and for the west that begins and ends in the Aegean sea.
Michelangelo's statement that "The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection" is a profound philosophical reflection on the role of art in human life. The quote suggests that, as artists, we are attempting to capture and reflect the beauty and perfection of the divine through our own creative expressions. In doing so, we are striving to bring a small piece of the divine into the world, to make it visible and tangible for others to experience.
This idea speaks to the human desire for transcendence and connection with something greater than ourselves. Throughout history, people have used art as a means of expressing their spiritual beliefs and connecting with the divine. In many cultures, the creation of art was seen as a sacred act, a way of giving form to the intangible and making the divine present in the world. Michelangelo's statement captures this idea, suggesting that art is not just a representation of the physical world, but a reflection of the divine realm.
Michelangelo's words also touch on the concept of beauty and what it means to be beautiful. For Michelangelo, true beauty is not just a physical attribute, but a manifestation of the divine. This understanding of beauty is rooted in the idea that beauty is a reflection of goodness, and that the truly beautiful is that which is good, true, and divine. In this sense, the creation of art can be seen as a pursuit of beauty, as artists strive to bring a piece of the divine into the world through their creative expressions.
Michelangelo's statement is also a reminder of the limitations of human art and the fallibility of human expression. By calling art a "shadow" of divine perfection, Michelangelo acknowledges that our creations will always fall short of the divine reality they aim to reflect. This idea is similar to the concept of transcendent beauty in philosophy, which suggests that beauty exists in a realm beyond human experience and that our attempts to capture it through art are necessarily limited.
However, Michelangelo's statement should not be interpreted as a negation of the value of art. Instead, it should be seen as a challenge to artists and a reminder of the importance of humility in the creative process. By recognizing that our art is only a shadow of the divine, we can approach our work with a sense of reverence and a desire to create something that truly reflects the beauty and goodness of the divine.
In conclusion, Michelangelo's statement that "The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection" is a profound philosophical reflection on the role of art in human life. It speaks to our desire for transcendence, our understanding of beauty, and the limitations of human expression. By recognizing that art is a reflection of the divine and that our creations will always fall short of the divine reality they aim to reflect, we can approach our work with humility, reverence, and a desire to create something truly beautiful and good. In this sense, Michelangelo's words serve as a reminder of the importance of art and its ability to bring a piece of the divine into the world.
Except on Zero Shadow Day
We cast a shadow on something wherever we stand.
—E. M. Forster (1879-1970)
The titled responsion is, at best an exception, at worst is a metaphor for an ethical claim no matter our position. Reversing this scenario of best versus worst results in an experience from out of this world, something that is worthy of the gods. I have to be careful here because anytime I mention the G-word a certain crowd instantly recoils in disapproval. The topic is too polarized, no matter where on the earth you stand.
The mid-afternoon drift of meaning towards the equinox and palindrome of noon is uniquely shadow-less in a dramatic display of animated surreal reality. Zero shadow day happens twice a year for places between +23.5 and -23.5 degrees of latitude. Rhetorical positions have a dark side, yet the essence of convincing speech should be taken as an apologetic of sorts to reconcile the abstract with the ideal reality. As a listener, your responsibility is measured in your ability to respond and the action potentials that follow the very definition of understanding. Ah-ha, you may say in silent wonder worthy of further doubt and a continuation of counterfactual reasoning. For the skeptical version thereof, the insinuation of bad acting is a travesty. Intentions matter!
E.M. Forster's quote, "We cast a shadow on something wherever we stand," is a thought-provoking observation on the impact of human presence and action in the world. The quote suggests that wherever we are, whatever we do, we inevitably have an effect on our surroundings and the people and things around us.
However, there is an exception to this idea, which is the concept of Zero Shadow Day. On Zero Shadow Day, the sun is directly overhead, casting no shadows. In this context, Forster's statement becomes less applicable, as individuals no longer cast a shadow on their surroundings. This exception highlights that our actions and presence are not absolute and can be affected by external factors.
The idea of casting a shadow is a metaphor for the impact of our actions and presence in the world. When we stand somewhere, we bring our own unique perspective and set of experiences to the table, which inevitably shape our interactions with others and our environment. Our actions, words, and beliefs can all have a profound effect on the world around us, creating ripples that extend far beyond our immediate surroundings.
Forster's quote can be seen as a reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and the impact they have on the world. By recognizing that we cast a shadow wherever we stand, we can be more mindful of our presence and how we interact with others and our environment. We can strive to act with integrity and compassion, making a positive impact on the world around us.
In conclusion, E.M. Forster's quote, "We cast a shadow on something wherever we stand," is a powerful reminder of the impact of human presence and action in the world. While there is an exception to this idea on Zero Shadow Day, the concept of casting a shadow is a metaphor for the impact of our actions and presence. By recognizing the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and the impact they have on the world, we can strive to act with integrity and compassion, making a positive impact on the world around us.
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