One comes to an appreciation of Wendell Berry not through any discursive process, but rather by what you might call a direct intuitive vision: his appeal is not primarily rational, but poetic. That isn't to say that Berry's vision of the world is irrational; far from it. But people tend to forget their Aristotle.
Okay, I know. Most people have never heard of Aristotle. But then, they wouldn't know Berry either, would they? The point is that The Master of Those Who Know recognized that the poetic reasoning is one form of informal reasoning and is perfectly legitimate.
While others help you understand; Berry helps you see.
The always incredible folks at the Intercollegiate Studies are holding a conference called, "The Humane Vision of Wendell Berry," Saturday, October 20, in Louisville, Kentucky at the Seelbach Hotel. Berry will be there for a portion of it, apparently.
If you're anywhere in the vicinity (as I am), it is a not-to-be-missed event.
No comments:
Post a Comment
You are welcome to post at this blog. You are asked, however, to refrain from the following:
1. Name-calling;
2. Questioning the motives or integrity of people you have never met just because you disagree with them;
3. Using obscenities or other expressions not appropriate or necessary to civilized discussion;
4. Taking disagreement personally;
5. Demeaning or insulting remarks.
The host will attempt to abide by the same rules and only asks that you not provide him with the temptation to do so in return by violating them.
Failure to comply with these rules can result (depending solely on the arbitrary and inscrutable will of the host) in the deletion of offending posts and suspension of posting privileges. Such measures are more likely if you post anonymously.