Heidegger can be intoxicating, and I do think he is worth encountering. He is an antidote to the "clear and distinct idea," which introduced forms of analysis and reductionism that formed the orthodoxies of the modern project. All the same, he, too, is ultimately forgetful of Being.
I agree. Much easier to read comments on Dostoevsky, for example, than to read Dostoevsky. I see so many D.'s quotations as philosophical on Substack; he would have been surprised to find out that instead of a writer with a deep understanding of human nature, he became a philosopher of existentiality in the 20th century.
Couldn’t agree more! What great insight. Reading commentaries is just another form of abstraction away from ourselves, as all abstraction is, it serves the simple function of keeping us at arms length from the Fire you speak of, the Divine Spark found only in the Other. It’s a safety strategy. Safety is killing us.
Interesting article. I think that commentaries have their place but because they are the author’s own interpretation if you have not read the original than you are not getting the original meaning as it relates to you. Especially with Scripture and its layers and layers of meaning. Sometimes you get one message then the next time you read it another and in that way I can see where commentaries are good because it opens another layer but again what God wants you to know and learn and hear He will reveal to you. As it has been revealed to the Apostles and Prophets
Heidegger can be intoxicating, and I do think he is worth encountering. He is an antidote to the "clear and distinct idea," which introduced forms of analysis and reductionism that formed the orthodoxies of the modern project. All the same, he, too, is ultimately forgetful of Being.
I can feel that too. Thanks, Brian!
I agree. Much easier to read comments on Dostoevsky, for example, than to read Dostoevsky. I see so many D.'s quotations as philosophical on Substack; he would have been surprised to find out that instead of a writer with a deep understanding of human nature, he became a philosopher of existentiality in the 20th century.
Interesting point! Thanks, Larisa.
Couldn’t agree more! What great insight. Reading commentaries is just another form of abstraction away from ourselves, as all abstraction is, it serves the simple function of keeping us at arms length from the Fire you speak of, the Divine Spark found only in the Other. It’s a safety strategy. Safety is killing us.
Indeed, safety is killing us! Thanks, Shari!
Interesting article. I think that commentaries have their place but because they are the author’s own interpretation if you have not read the original than you are not getting the original meaning as it relates to you. Especially with Scripture and its layers and layers of meaning. Sometimes you get one message then the next time you read it another and in that way I can see where commentaries are good because it opens another layer but again what God wants you to know and learn and hear He will reveal to you. As it has been revealed to the Apostles and Prophets
As with anything, primary sources are best. Go straight to the source they say - and they are right!
Yep!
Love the C.S. Lewis quote--sooooo true
Yes!