We understand a thing by grouping its individual characteristics into a unified body of meaning. Within the moment, people simply don't have the ability to consider all of the separate characteristics they observe a thing possessing. Instead, people experience the thing's many characteristics as a single body of meaning. People experience the depth and complexity of a thing's body of meaning as expressing a vague sense of character or personality.
Totemism is a wonderful example of a culture's collective experience of personality expressing itself through the living and non-living things, which compose its environment. Naming one's automobile and being afraid of the dark are two other examples of this amazing phenomena.
You are very wise indeed Dr. Pliny. I'm going to name my truck Bob in honor of you...and as an example of totemism (whatever that is, I'm still kinda fuzzy). I am afraid of the dark too.
ReplyDeleteThank You and Thank You and Thank You o gentle reader! It is with sincere respect and such a great sense of honor that I continue my research knowing that a truck has been named after me! This is certainly a first!
ReplyDeleteMay you love it most sincere
when you shift its sturdy gear;
Its steel body wrapped around
You keeps you safe wherever bound.
Its headlight eyes, its smile of chrome,
Your loving home away from home.
Look deep into those shining eyes
And you shall see to your surprise,
For should, with all your might attend,
A truck shall be your truest friend.
Cheers and thank you -
Dr. Bob Pliny