ITT I edit a new edition of the BIP pamphlet

[Bebek Sincap Ratatosk]

Does anyone know offhand which essays Cain did not want in future edits of BiP?

[P3nT4gR4m]

The metaphor for me is a good one. I like it a lot but, having said that, it is only useful when one is imprisoned. I believe it's possible to escape from the state described by the BIP, 'jailbreak' as the saying goes. From that point on a new model is required because the BIP has served it's purpose and doesn't really offer a way to progress. It's still useful as a reminder that, at any point, you could slip up, forget what you've learned and end up back 'in jail'

I know we've been over this before re: the negative connotations of the phrase 'prison' but I really think the BIP would be best served as part of a .... erm .... duology (okay I give in, what the fuck is the correct term for a series of two books?)

From my point of view, anyway, other than some weird philanthropic mission to help others escape (not really my style) there is no real way to progress, it's almost like it's saying "Hey! Congratulations, you broke out" and I'm like, "so now what?"

I think there are a few of us here who have broken out. Anyone have any thoughts on what to do next, or does the BIP just end with "they all lived happily ever after, in jail"?

And before you all start jumping down my throat, I know I'm still trapped by the mechanism described by the BIP. The very fact that I am aware of this is the escape of which I speak. Not true release from bondage but enough of a release to make the prison behave like a whole different animal.

[Cramulus]

From my point of view, anyway, other than some weird philanthropic mission to help others escape (not really my style) there is no real way to progress, it's almost like it's saying "Hey! Congratulations, you broke out" and I'm like, "so now what?"

My answer to this is contained in the following parable:

Bung Fu the Fool stood buck naked before the monk Nopants. Eventually, Nopants looked up over his morning newspaper. Surprised to see a peen at eye level before him, he spit coffee everywhere.

"Somehow," said the monk, who himself was naked from the waist down, "I was not prepared for that."

"Good morning Wise Master Nopants!" said Bung Fu cheerfully. "I did what you advised: I Let Go of everything so I could learn to swim on my own."

"That's bullshit," said Nopants, pointing at bung-fu with a spoon. "You're just parading around naked because you think it'll somehow enlighten you."

"But master, that's what you do!" cried Bung Fu, embarassed.

"No," said Nopants. "I do it for me. You're doing like me. You haven't let go of anything. You just grabbed my shrapnel and made it your own."


Bung Fu thought about this. "Mise Waster Nopants, what am I supposed to do after I let go? I can't just let go of everything, that's not a good survival strategy."

"You're right," said Nopants. "But it's not really about letting go. It's about being able to let go. It's about realizing that all that stuff you're carrying around is mostly dead weight. So learn to live without that dross."

"And then what?"

Nopants leaned forward as if he was about to whisper a lesson or a great secret. Bung Fu leaned in, eager for instruction. Nopants reached out and slapped right in the goddamn monkey face.

"Think for yourself, shmuck!"

[P3nT4gR4m]

To clarify: I'm not really sitting in a tizzy wondering what to do next. I just feel things could be taken further. Exploring the world outside, so to speak.

It's already been done but seems to have stagnated some time around the 1950's and rehashed and rewritten ad nauseum, ever since. I can't help thinking there's a better way to do it than invoking that dreaded 'M' word.

[Bebek Sincap Ratatosk]

I think Pent and I are thinking in similar directions.

I have some stuff in draft being poked at by other people, once I'm sure its clear and useful I'll post it. Until then, I'll leave you with this:

From my point of view, anyway, other than some weird philanthropic mission to help others escape (not really my style) there is no real way to progress, it's almost like it's saying "Hey! Congratulations, you broke out" and I'm like, "so now what?

So now, you get to explore. You get to order things and disorder them without being required to think that one or the other is Right or Wrong. You get to embrace the limitations that our physical neurological system has as safety controls to keep us from being overrun with new data, or you get to curse the limitations that restrict you from utter freedom. They can be your vehicle or your prison... but now, as opposed to before, YOU GET TO DECIDE.

[tyrannosaurus vex]

i think that's the distinction between the BIP and the GSP - one is passive and the other active. it's like the difference between being a passenger and being the driver.

[P3nT4gR4m]

I think Pent and I are thinking in similar directions.

I have some stuff in draft being poked at by other people, once I'm sure its clear and useful I'll post it. Until then, I'll leave you with this:

From my point of view, anyway, other than some weird philanthropic mission to help others escape (not really my style) there is no real way to progress, it's almost like it's saying "Hey! Congratulations, you broke out" and I'm like, "so now what?

So now, you get to explore. You get to order things and disorder them without being required to think that one or the other is Right or Wrong. You get to embrace the limitations that our physical neurological system has as safety controls to keep us from being overrun with new data, or you get to curse the limitations that restrict you from utter freedom. They can be your vehicle or your prison... but now, as opposed to before, YOU GET TO DECIDE.

i think that's the distinction between the BIP and the GSP - one is passive and the other active. it's like the difference between being a passenger and being the driver.

So we're on the same page at least. Anyone ready to start on a sequel?

The BIP is how to get your bearings, how to read the map, how to not eat the menu.

I can't help thinking it's been done now. Maybe the way forward is to publish the menu. I been cooking up a storm for the last 10 years or more but I'm not so full of myself I don't think there's dishes out there I've yet to savour. If only I had a map that showed me where all the good restaurants are.

[Cain]

Does anyone know offhand which essays Cain did not want in future edits of BiP?

Whichever ones were the ones that were originally put in.

I want to replace them, one with an essay on cognitive biases, another with an essay on politics and bars.

[Bebek Sincap Ratatosk]

Does anyone know offhand which essays Cain did not want in future edits of BiP?

Whichever ones were the ones that were originally put in.

I want to replace them, one with an essay on cognitive biases, another with an essay on politics and bars.

Ok... I have no idea which 'were' yours since there's no attribution

[Verbal Mike]

Ditto.
Also, I am very happy to see you post again, Cain.
I won't be doing any editing in the next two weeks (nor have I done in the past week or two) because I'm too busy with the conference I'm involved in putting up. In August I will resume my labor.