Paradoxical existence

 

What is the paradox of existentialism?

Paradox, in the context of existentialism, means thinking above and beyond absolutes such as right or wrong, good or bad, angelic or evil. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) refers to black and white thinking or all or nothing thinking as dysfunctional thinking.

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HERMENEUTICS

Hermeneutics refers to the theory and practice of interpretation. It describes both a body of historically diverse methodologies for interpreting, primarily, texts, and a theory of understanding. As such, it is concerned with making the unintelligible intelligible, and communicable.

Have you noticed how many wisdom traditions rely on stories and parables to communicate their various messages? Have you noticed, too, that that demands a certain intuitive hermeneutical skill? Why not just explain and clarify and set out, clearly and concisely, what is being said? Why insist that everyone must interpret meaning for themselves?

I've given an example below if you want to test your hermeneutical skills.

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It came to pass that the reputation of the Taoist sage, Chuang tzu for profound wisdom reached even the ears of the Emperor Chu. No fool, the Emperor was always quick to recruit learned men to his counsel, not simply to advise him on affairs of state, but to enhance his reputation, and the reputation of his court. Like all rulers, the Emperor Chu was at heart a political animal. He immediately sent two ambassadors to offer Chuang Tzu a ministerial post.

The two ambassadors, themselves both ministers of considerable repute, found Chuang Tzu, fishing on the banks of the Chu river. They were shocked and outraged when Chuang Tzu refused the offer of a ministerial post. They demanded an explanation.

Chuang Chu, still fishing, replied, "Have you seen the mighty turtle shell hanging on the wall above the throne? It has been there for longer than anyone can remember.  No bigger turtle had ever been caught. I know this to be true because otherwise it would be hanging on the wall. So venerated is this mighty turtle that once a year it is taken down and a ceremony held to honour it. Now I ask you, though no doubt it is a great honour to be the largest turtle ever caught and killed, is it not true that the turtle would prefer to be still alive and dragging its tail in the mud?"

The two ambassadors reluctantly agreed that this was so.

"Then leave me here to drag my own tail in the mud."