Subj : Back again
To   : RICHARD M. MEIC
From : LEE LOFASO
Date : Sat Jul 14 2001 11:28 am

Hello Richard,

RMM>There is a lot of philosophy to be found in fiction literature.  I
RMM>challenge everyone (you, John and the lurkers) to identify the
originator RMM>of the following quote:

RMM>"We are the universe attempting to discover itself."

Pogo: "We have met the enemy and he is us."
[Source: Earth Day 1971 Pogo strip cartoon]

RMM>Or words to that effect.  The meaning is what is important.

Walt Kelly had a very deep concern for the environment, as his Pogo
strip showed throughout it's syndication.  But he did not create his
Pogo character as being simply dedicated to one particular issue.
That is why Pogo's "We have met the enemy and he is us" is so much
more far-reaching.

In order to more fully understand the meaning of Pogo's words, we
must use some form of philosophical method.  Here are four basic ways
to view Pogo's words: Individual, Collective, Discipline, Role.
By understanding each meaning, and combining those meanings, one can
come up with a better and fuller grasp of what Pogo was really saying.

Here is a look at those basic four ways of discerning the true meaning
of Pogo's words of wisdom:

The INDIVIDUAL meaning is quite literal, representing the world of
discovery.  The words need no translation.

The COLLECTIVE meaning represents the organizational and collective
areas of discovery in regards to the world of discovery.

The DISCIPLINE meaning represents the existence of the world of
discovery as a mode of thought, as well as other modes of thought
and activity leading to that discovery.

The ROLE meaning represents personal or individual aspects of the world
of discovery, how a person should permit his/her own roles as well as
all their own modes of thought and activity in regard to the world of
discovery.

Example:

INDIVIDUAL: "We have met the enemy and he is us."

COLLECTIVE: Recognition that the enemy is indeed us, whom we have
met so many times in so very many places.

DISCIPLINE: Recognition of the enemy as ourselves as the conceptual
foundation for balanced and adequate progress towards creating a free,
just and peaceful world.

ROLE: Recognition of the enemy as ourselves being the psychological
foundation for balanced and adequate progress towards creating a free,
peaceful and fulfilling personal life.

One can extrapolate on those themes and develop a working philosophy
based on the world of Pogo and his friends.  The Okefenokee Swamp can
be seen as a microcosm of the world at large, and even the universe
itself.  But that's another topic...

--Lee


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