Actually, I agree with much of what you've said here.... I post things that happen, but I post them because I feel a certain way about them - hence why I have used the feeling icon every time I have used an entry.
But I think there's a big flaw here. You're trying to understand -people-. Not a person, but -people- as a whole. And... in my way of thinking... it's impossible. Think about it. How many different people are there on LJ alone? And any one thing that appeals to one, may disgust another to the point of hatred.
As a whole, the only thing I think can be accurately said about all of humanity is that it is uncatalogable, unknowable to any within its midst (as all of us, unfortunately, must be), and totally unpredictable.
Now if you want to understand a specific person, that is much easier. While LJs are an invaluable tool, yes, talking to them and asking questions, I think, will reveal even more. Especially if you know the right questions to ask. And yet...
Tell me, Gordy, do you think you know me fairly well yet? I know you read my journal fairly often, and we even talk pretty often. We've known each other since.... Let's see. Before Anthrocon 2000. But I asked a question on my journal pertaining, if not directly to me, then indirectly to me, and stumped you entirely. And yet, I think you know my ideals and viewpoints better than many do and most ever will.
I don't think you were being pretentious. Yes - the human mind is an incredibly mysterious thing - but that's not changed for millenia. And it's not going to anytime soon. Science can explain the physical reality of what goes on where, but they can't begin to tell you the why of it. Philosophers can give you lecture upon lecture, but how to learn from someone who knows little to naught of what he speaks?
No, you are not responsible for gathering this information. You do not work for the CIA, and even THEY suck at it, so it wouldn't be much help if you did. LiveJournal helps us document it, but on the whole, how long can that last? Years? Decades, maybe? Lifetimes? And there's no way any person, ever, could read all of what's on here ALREADY, let alone the millions, billions, trillions of posts that may come in the future.
And to understanding yourself, let's look at this realistically - does anyone, up to their dying moments, truly understand themselves? Rarely, perhaps - nothing is absolute. But at large, they build illusions about themselves that they carry through their life, changing this, refusing to realize that, and so on. As an example... say something. Then record yourself saying it, and listen to it. Doesn't sound at ALL like you, does it? But it is you.
I wish I could be more optimistic, sqrly, but your goal of this particular knowledge is one like my own for lycanthropy - if it's going to -ever- happen, it will likely only do so after we die, when we are in a place where our minds rule, not our bodies.
And as a final note - While I like Aura, somehow, I find 'A Stray Child' much more appropriate to this...
"If you are lost in the way - Deep in an awesome story; Don't be in doubt and stray, Cling to your lonesome folly...
Now you're too close to the pain, Let all the rain go further; Come back and kiss me in vain, Mother, oh do not bother...
Hear the chorus of pain, Taking you back to proper ways; It's so easy to find, If you could remind me...
Now, you are lost in your way, Deep in an awesome story; So, I will find you again, Kiss you for lonesome folly..."
Why? I can't begin to say. Perhaps because I think this is your lonesome folly - and lost in an awesome story I think you are. And yet, were you not - were you to give up your quest in the wake of the pain it will cause, and go back to the 'proper way' of thinking as decreed by any number of men for thousands of years - you would not be you; and you would not be so close to my heart, dear friend.
no subject
But I think there's a big flaw here. You're trying to understand -people-. Not a person, but -people- as a whole. And... in my way of thinking... it's impossible. Think about it. How many different people are there on LJ alone? And any one thing that appeals to one, may disgust another to the point of hatred.
As a whole, the only thing I think can be accurately said about all of humanity is that it is uncatalogable, unknowable to any within its midst (as all of us, unfortunately, must be), and totally unpredictable.
Now if you want to understand a specific person, that is much easier. While LJs are an invaluable tool, yes, talking to them and asking questions, I think, will reveal even more. Especially if you know the right questions to ask. And yet...
Tell me, Gordy, do you think you know me fairly well yet? I know you read my journal fairly often, and we even talk pretty often. We've known each other since.... Let's see. Before Anthrocon 2000. But I asked a question on my journal pertaining, if not directly to me, then indirectly to me, and stumped you entirely. And yet, I think you know my ideals and viewpoints better than many do and most ever will.
I don't think you were being pretentious. Yes - the human mind is an incredibly mysterious thing - but that's not changed for millenia. And it's not going to anytime soon. Science can explain the physical reality of what goes on where, but they can't begin to tell you the why of it. Philosophers can give you lecture upon lecture, but how to learn from someone who knows little to naught of what he speaks?
No, you are not responsible for gathering this information. You do not work for the CIA, and even THEY suck at it, so it wouldn't be much help if you did. LiveJournal helps us document it, but on the whole, how long can that last? Years? Decades, maybe? Lifetimes? And there's no way any person, ever, could read all of what's on here ALREADY, let alone the millions, billions, trillions of posts that may come in the future.
And to understanding yourself, let's look at this realistically - does anyone, up to their dying moments, truly understand themselves? Rarely, perhaps - nothing is absolute. But at large, they build illusions about themselves that they carry through their life, changing this, refusing to realize that, and so on. As an example... say something. Then record yourself saying it, and listen to it. Doesn't sound at ALL like you, does it? But it is you.
I wish I could be more optimistic, sqrly, but your goal of this particular knowledge is one like my own for lycanthropy - if it's going to -ever- happen, it will likely only do so after we die, when we are in a place where our minds rule, not our bodies.
And as a final note - While I like Aura, somehow, I find 'A Stray Child' much more appropriate to this...
"If you are lost in the way -
Deep in an awesome story;
Don't be in doubt and stray,
Cling to your lonesome folly...
Now you're too close to the pain,
Let all the rain go further;
Come back and kiss me in vain,
Mother, oh do not bother...
Hear the chorus of pain,
Taking you back to proper ways;
It's so easy to find,
If you could remind me...
Now, you are lost in your way,
Deep in an awesome story;
So, I will find you again,
Kiss you for lonesome folly..."
Why? I can't begin to say. Perhaps because I think this is your lonesome folly - and lost in an awesome story I think you are. And yet, were you not - were you to give up your quest in the wake of the pain it will cause, and go back to the 'proper way' of thinking as decreed by any number of men for thousands of years - you would not be you; and you would not be so close to my heart, dear friend.
Good luck in your quest.