Steve
Mostly Harmless
One comment regarding relativity. I will agree that everything is measured relative to something else, but the criteria by which something is measured can remain subjective, even if the scale is not. The measurement is, by definition, establishing a scale that is concrete.
Good poetry doesn't describe love; it demonstrates love. And by understanding the demonstration, we better understand the abstract. As a practical matter, I am still married after 23 years because I demonstrate my love to my wife through acts of love.
You haven't offended me. And I don't feel like you're talking down to me. I honestly feel like you're kind of bluffing a little.Thanks for the honesty.
I have had this problem with my IRL friends. While speaking to them in person, they feel I am talking down to them. It couldn't be further from the truth. I just want a straight forward answer about these ideas. Giving me wishy-washy descriptions of how the concept is ineffable or too difficult to express just makes me push harder because there is an answer in your head when I ask, "What is Enlightenment?"
Indefinite answers are useless when describing Gravity. They are useless when describing Money. They are useless when describing Love. Poetry can beautiful and truthful, but if I don't get a true answer, I have to push harder or walk away.
I am sorry if I offended anyone. I am not coming at this with a definite answer. I am simply laying out my current answer, allowing others to comment on it while inviting their alternative answers.
Good poetry doesn't describe love; it demonstrates love. And by understanding the demonstration, we better understand the abstract. As a practical matter, I am still married after 23 years because I demonstrate my love to my wife through acts of love.