Platt-
In response to your request to clarify my take on the highest form of social
quality. It is a simple, straightforward rational; and one I think Pirsig
would agree with. The highest form of social quality is any action, speech,
thought, etc. which promotes society and it's citizens in dynamic
development. I cited Mothera Theresa as having more social quality than Tom
Cruise not because of her religious beliefs, but because she gave her life to
save the lives of others. And in doing so she increased society's capacity
for dynamic change (based on the idea that each individual contributes to
that society's dynamic development). Other examples of persons with high
social quality who are not so tied to religion are Abraham Lincoln (with
great contributions to the intellectual/ideological quality of society -
which he introduced and promoted); Alexandar Graham Bell (I don't think
anyone would doubt the dynamic force of his invention in the development of
society); or how about the average, everyday doctor (who promotes a person's
biological well being; creating a platform from which that person can promote
dynamic quality in society).... well, you get the idea. While organized
religion can sometimes promote the idea of nurturing others (and yourself);
the dynamic development of society - and a person's promotion of it - is
independent of religion.
Tom Cruise makes movies. At best he entertains people. This has some low
social quality. At worst his movies, arguably; promote violence and create
unrealistic expectations (how many people thought they could be fighter
pilots after seeing "Top Gun?" This is given creedence by the spike in
recriutment in the months after that movie was released). In the latter
scenario his actions degrade dynamic change on a social and intellectual
level.
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