I'll start by expressing a strong resonance with the importance of “addressing deeper root causes, our human inner dimensions or mindsets”, and with the significance of complexity. When the complexity of a situation becomes too great, we all have to simplify it to ourselves in order to be, in our own ways, effective. However, unless constrained, we all tend to simplify things in our own different ways. While personal and corporate ontologies remain tacit, we are liable to feel things “not making sense”, if the ontologies don't interrelate in an understandable way. That relates to the concept I call “ontological commoning”, and what I see here as the suggested way forward seems to me to have a lot of similarities. So I feel drawn into this, both to contribute what I can to this much needed effort, and perhaps if I'm very lucky to have the chance of testing out and enriching my tentative ideas and methodology around ontological commoning.
Dialogue can lead to coming together; coming together around some shared aspects of ontology — expressed and embodied perhaps in story and narrative – is the necessary precursor to meaningful action. Thus, I see “sustainability and business resilience” as linked more to coherence of vision and purpose. Though you could read it differently, I don't think any of us believe that there is one ideal mindset that alone solves the kinds of problems faced by SMEs and others. Rather, for me, the philosophical skill is to have the means to probe deeply into the mindsets of oneself and others; to ask the revealing (perhaps Socratic) questions, as well as helping us all to see our natural cognitive biases.
And it's a fascinating as well as vital challenge, to open up channels of awareness and understanding in entrepreneurs, who may be very understandably focused on the day-to-day viability of their enterprise. If we can do that, how exciting!
I'm moved by reading about the feelings of “the snow will never melt and I will never find …” and the struggles with language, nuance and simplicity — because, if it were not obvious, I share them at least to some extent. I resonate also with what I read about Socrates and his distrust of the written word, missing (as I imagine it) the generative interactivity of face-to-face dialogue. I feel badly tempted by the awkward questions, will anyone ever really understand me? If I express myself simply, does that actually convey what I want to convey? And if I try to express with as much nuance as I can, will this just be lost on them?
So, I salute you in this worthy, noble struggle. Better known to me than Socrates is T.S. Eliot, who weaves in much complaint about words into his Four Quartets. Philosophical poetry … … I read this, your atypical letter, as a glimpse of poetic philosophy in the best sense. And it won't appeal to everyone. I hope and pray that we find those others who it does appeal to, who are able and willing to nourish each other, and gently coax those shy wild animals into a shared appreciative warmth.
1. PhilosophyGyms
(Only first because it is easier!)
I'll start by expressing a strong resonance with the importance of “addressing deeper root causes, our human inner dimensions or mindsets”, and with the significance of complexity. When the complexity of a situation becomes too great, we all have to simplify it to ourselves in order to be, in our own ways, effective. However, unless constrained, we all tend to simplify things in our own different ways. While personal and corporate ontologies remain tacit, we are liable to feel things “not making sense”, if the ontologies don't interrelate in an understandable way. That relates to the concept I call “ontological commoning”, and what I see here as the suggested way forward seems to me to have a lot of similarities. So I feel drawn into this, both to contribute what I can to this much needed effort, and perhaps if I'm very lucky to have the chance of testing out and enriching my tentative ideas and methodology around ontological commoning.
Dialogue can lead to coming together; coming together around some shared aspects of ontology — expressed and embodied perhaps in story and narrative – is the necessary precursor to meaningful action. Thus, I see “sustainability and business resilience” as linked more to coherence of vision and purpose. Though you could read it differently, I don't think any of us believe that there is one ideal mindset that alone solves the kinds of problems faced by SMEs and others. Rather, for me, the philosophical skill is to have the means to probe deeply into the mindsets of oneself and others; to ask the revealing (perhaps Socratic) questions, as well as helping us all to see our natural cognitive biases.
And it's a fascinating as well as vital challenge, to open up channels of awareness and understanding in entrepreneurs, who may be very understandably focused on the day-to-day viability of their enterprise. If we can do that, how exciting!
2. More personal matters
I'm moved by reading about the feelings of “the snow will never melt and I will never find …” and the struggles with language, nuance and simplicity — because, if it were not obvious, I share them at least to some extent. I resonate also with what I read about Socrates and his distrust of the written word, missing (as I imagine it) the generative interactivity of face-to-face dialogue. I feel badly tempted by the awkward questions, will anyone ever really understand me? If I express myself simply, does that actually convey what I want to convey? And if I try to express with as much nuance as I can, will this just be lost on them?
So, I salute you in this worthy, noble struggle. Better known to me than Socrates is T.S. Eliot, who weaves in much complaint about words into his Four Quartets. Philosophical poetry … … I read this, your atypical letter, as a glimpse of poetic philosophy in the best sense. And it won't appeal to everyone. I hope and pray that we find those others who it does appeal to, who are able and willing to nourish each other, and gently coax those shy wild animals into a shared appreciative warmth.