Tuesday, March 1, 2016

the explain game

On the one hand, if something can be explained, its benevolent or malevolent fallout comes under apparent control. Perhaps the good stuff can be repeated and the bad stuff avoided. So maybe that's a plus for the world of explanations.

On the other hand, isn't there something to be said for the moments (or perhaps years) before a particular event can fall credibly under the explanatory scalpel ... the time when what is simply is without any sage Post-its appended?

I'm not sure, but I think I think that examining a world without explanation is not better or worse, but rather deserves examination as something that cannot be dodged. Without some capacity not-to-explain, explaining takes on a frantic and self-serving quality that cannot stand up in the tight places.

Maybe it's like having five fingers: No need to obsess about it, but not to know and acknowledge would be stupider still.

1 comment:

  1. I recently heard someone say "i can explain it to you, but i can't understand it for you". And just being curmudgeonly i have to wonder, if knowing something doesn't fall short of the reality.

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