Theos-Talk Archives (December 2002 Message tt00071)

Hi again,

Here's a definition with some synonyms, from Roget online:

>ADJECTIVE: 1. Free from bias in judgment: disinterested, 
dispassionate, equitable, fair, fair-minded, impartial, indifferent, 
just, nonpartisan, objective, square, unprejudiced. Idioms: fair and 
square. See FAIR. 2. Not inclining toward or actively taking either 
side in a matter under dispute: impartial, neuter, neutral, 
nonaligned, nonpartisan, uncommitted, uninvolved, unprejudiced. 
Idioms: on the fence. See FAIR. 
END QUOTE

With all due respect to HPB, the above just doesn't sound a bit like 
her. She'd be a lot less interesting if it did. 

You commented:

> > clear and understandable. After a few readings one begins to 
> notice the spin-doctor aspect, but still he's fun to read and 
perhaps you haven't given him enough of a chance.
> 
> Perhaps, it is that very "spin" that doesn't suit me Dearie. 
> 
Well, no one here is trying to tell anyone what to read or what not 
to read and the above was phrased as the gentlest of nudges in the 
direction of giving him a second chance. Your response sounds rather 
bristling and offended so never mind. But for anyone else reading-- 
Old Diary Leaves is colorful and entertaining, but of course is one 
man's recollections and self-serving as memoirs often (always?) are.
Especially the first volume is recommended for anyone interested in 
HPB's writings as useful background material.
> > 
> > experience. Not "no religion higher than what makes me feel 
> > comfortable."
> 
> Yes, you're busy making/assessing some general assumptions I see - 
> really, it feels judgemental to me. Is this your intent? 
> 
Sure, but not of you personally. I spend a huge amount of my time 
deciding how to spend limited public funds on books. It's a constant 
juggling act, and judgment is exactly what it's about. How many 
books should I buy that deal with painful and difficult and 
challenging issues, and how many that simply entertain, inform and 
inspire without pushing any such buttons? (Replace "buy" with "read" 
in the above sentence and the issue becomes a more personal one.) 
Krishnamurti isn't a "feel good author" but is an important one for 
truthseekers interested in Theosophy. That's my judgment.

> one of listening to/for my own intuitions AND learning/acting 
> respectful about them. I actually have care/respect for brother K. 
> but I doubt I will read his works which is entirely my choice - 
none-the-less I'm sorry if this somehow bothers you - the choices 
that I make for myself. 
> 
It's my business to worry about what people read and why, and I'm 
experienced enough to know not to recommend Nietzche to lovers of 
Barbara Cartland. But I had gathered, perhaps incorrectly, that you 
were interested in *discussing* the pros and cons of various authors 
in the Theosophical literature. It bothers me in the abstract that 
*anyone* would deliberately exclude Krishnamurti from their list of 
authors to read, citing the sadness of his story. But of course it 
doesn't bother me what any specific individual reads and why, and I 
intended no personal insult in recommending that you rethink your 
avoidance of him.

> > While regarding HPB's writings as vastly superior to those other 
> > authors you name, I would caution anyone against proclaiming what 
> > rings their personal chimes as therefore being an "unbiased 
> > resource." 
> 
> Interesting thang to say, and, yet, clearly slanted/biased in it's 
> opinion :) - that's funny! You make me laugh! 
> 
Glad you found something enjoyable in the post.

Regards,

Paul