Comments | oomazzo: A book and a headache

oomazzo

A book and a headache

Jan 12, 2006 00:25

So I started a smart person book *dark evil music* It's called 'Quantum Psychology'. Man is this book gimme a headache (the further in I go)... but it's sooooo good as I progress through it. It's showing different ways of thinking. Like this one:

(This is the very first chapter in the book)

Kafka's parableA man comes to the door of the Law, ( Read more... )

Comments 10

jeneypeney January 12 2006, 08:13:14 UTC

Alright, I had a whole list of things that this could possibly mean. I even sought the consult of a friend who agreed with most of them. Then I was reading them and realised I over-analyzed the thing and re-read it about 50 more times. (Gave myself a headache) I've never read kafka, but I know a bit about him from different snippets in classes. This is what I came up with. I could be completely and utterly missing the whole point, but I gave it a try. (A couple actually...) Here goes ( ... )

chigglet January 16 2006, 00:58:21 UTC

I really like that answer. :)

jeneypeney January 16 2006, 01:57:12 UTC

Thank you! I was worried it was going to either be confusing past any sort of understanding or just a big load of bull shit :-)

jdoggiedogg January 12 2006, 10:25:05 UTC

Just a guess, but maybe Kafka was using the idea of The Law as a metaphor for greater Truth. It could also be that Kafka cynically believed that people will take money for the promise of the truth, but never actually deliver the truth, which is ultimately unattainable.

Personally, I disagree with this view. At the very least, I do believe that we can get glimpses of the truth. I also believe that rather than the door shutting upon death, that instead we enter the door upon death.

This also makes the point that parables are annoying

chigglet January 16 2006, 01:05:55 UTC

Sometimes the truth can set you free, but it can also drive you mad.

Yes. Parables are annoying. I totally agree.

*cheers and burns all parables.*

purpler_spirit January 12 2006, 16:35:46 UTC

We're each are on our own path and have certain rules/guidelines/"Law" that we must follow in order to not fall off our path. These rules/guidelines/Law that help us lead healthy, full lives (and 'not abandon hope' as the parable says) are not necessarily the rules/guidelines/Law that everyone needs to follow. For example, someone might need to stay clear away from alcohol in order to stay on their healthy, hopeful path, whereas others a moderate consumption of alcohol might help them relax enough to enjoy life and that helps them stay on their healthy, hopeful path.

purpler_spirit January 12 2006, 16:42:58 UTC

I just read the two comments above mine and realized I didn't account for the gatekeeper taking the money - I guess I saw that as more the man giving all that he had (rather than the gatekeeper 'taking' his money) in order to seek after the Unknown which he thought was behind the door. Of course this man doesn't seem to have the most fulfilling life just standing and waiting at the door but at least it is one full of hope.

anonymous January 13 2006, 16:55:21 UTC

I see the guard representing the man's own belief system that is holding him back from his journey.

Although the guard is playing a trickster, beliefs by their nature give us hope, although many times these systems, religions, etc bring us to another person's/group's answer for enlightenment.(symbolized by the locked door)

The guard (of beliefs) is unwilling to remove hope, although he is unable to give direction, as one must find their own way.

The death at the door is the heartbreaking realization that it is not the destination (door) but the journey (hope) that leads us to a sense of fulfillment and purpose. The search itself is the ultimate prize.

Mandy (yahoo360/Waltoncru)

Very interesting subject. I am fascinated and excited to see the opinions of others on this parable.

metaphysics101 January 13 2006, 23:23:30 UTC

OK (pagan here) but i see the door being a pathway to heaven and the man is waiting for the guard (GOD) to allow him through. And similar to most religions one sells every posesion and money for hopes that he'll have paid enough 'bribes' to be allowed in.
Also, most people waste their lives away beliving that someone else has the power to allow them in and not themselves. He dies not knowing that he had the power to go through the door if he believed in himself more.