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                                %HELPFUL TRADITIONS 731003

     The  self whose central problem is self-consciousness
(in  the  sense of analytic self transcendence)   can  not
solve  self's central problem  through  analysis  and  the
intensification  of self-awareness.   Such a technique  is
self-defeating.    The  process  may occur  with  a  self-
conscious   group   as  well  as  with  a   self-conscious
individual  ---   especially if the group has a  unity  of
perception defined by a common perspective of their nature
and  the  nature of reality.   The intensification of  the
structure of self-consciousness  and the sophistication of
that structure---will not generate a transcendence  of the
self or the group.   An isolated system  can not transcend
itself. An isolated system, through the intensification of
internal interactions, can not insure  the  improvement of
interactions which transcend the system---so as to end its
isolation.   Efforts at the  intensification  of  internal
interactions  need  to be replaced  by  increased  efforts
toward  expansion of trans-system  interactions,  in  both
directions, i.e., open and honest dialogue.

     Traditions can  be restrictive,  enslaving  self  and
other   in   inappropriate   self-images   and  unexamined
assumptions.  Traditions may also  accomplish  that  which
analysis  can  not  accomplish.  Traditions can  create  a
context  in  which problems common to  all  in  the  human
condition are resolved via traditional solutions---without
the need for  intense  analysis  which can degenerate into
fragmenting  efforts  at  self-transcendence.   So long as
traditional  solutions  are essentially humane and tend to
facilitate commitments to openness, so long will they help
individuals   avoid   the   trap   of   isolating    self-
consciousness. Through helpful traditions and habits---the
scarce resource  of  human attention is  set  free to deal
with  interesting  new  questions  and new real  problems,
rather than continuing in the  prison  of compulsive  pre-
occupation with the problems of self-attention.

     It  will be helpful to develop a way to recognize the
difference between helpful and  restrictive habits  and/or
traditions,   so that the helpful ones may be nurtured and
the restrictive ones be transcended.

                         (c) 1999 by Paul A. Smith in
  GO:  essayz.com     "Search for Integrity and Honesty"
                    (On Being Yourself, Whole and Healthy)

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