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Religious Backgrounds
Brad Blackman | Sep 6 2006
After reading the GTD 'cult' thread, I thought I'd ask what kind of religious or philosophical backgrounds everyone comes from. It may be too sensitive a topic (just like at parties, you shouldn't talk about religion or politics), but it'd be interesting to see where people are coming from. Obviously some see a Buddhist influence in GTD, and others may see something else? Or others (like myself) come from a different background and wouldn't know the difference. Again, I know it's a pretty big can of worms, but I think the people around here are thoughtful enough to take everything in stride. There are quite a few thinkers here. 42 Comments
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 Following the great psychoanalytic philosopher...Submitted by mdl on September 15, 2006 - 7:51am.
Following the great psychoanalytic philosopher Slavoj Zizek, I would say that all of us (including the atheists) have an implicit or unconscious belief in a "Big Other" that guarantees our meaning and identity. Even in this forum, as we write these responses, aren't we writing for an imagined gaze that observes and vindicates our actions? We all crave recognition from this Big Other; we want to be acknowledged, registered, etc. This Big Other doesn't necessarily have to go by the name of God. But it seems to be a universal structural component of language and the human psyche. (Per the "GTD cult" thread, for David Allen and his fellow New Agers, this seems to go by the somewhat unfortunate name of the "Mystical Traveler.") Which leads me to my question. Who are we doing GTD for? Are we seeking some sort of imagined vindication or approval from the "Big Other"? Are we trying to satisfy some imagined other's demands? Who tells us that we have to be organized, be productive, achieve personal fulfillment, etc.? » POSTED IN:
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