blog post #3

In Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, the narrator divides philosophy and human thinking into two differing categories: classic and romantic. A classicist views the world in its “immediate appearance,” and is less concerned with creativity and meaning. Classical philosophy is based on facts, reason, and law. In contrast, romanticist beliefs centralize on ideas of feeling and instinct, and lack the concreteness and palpability of classicist principles.

I view myself as a primarily as classicist. While some aspects of my essentiality may classify as a romanticist, I find more comfort in routine and substance. I am academically strong in maths and sciences and weak in areas that require interpretation. I value balance and regularity of systems over spontaneity of intuition. For myself, I cannot make decisions based on a “gut-feeling”  or instinct. I need the certainty and safety of planning everything, including my process of thinking.

Part of me is a romanticist, I have practiced ballet for six years, a more artistic and creative element in my life. But even ballet’s form is a bit classic. Yes, there is freedom and personal style associated with ballet, but there are some “rules” as well. Some moves must have the arms and legs positioned a certain way. Every move has a count. All the counts fit with the music. Even my romanticist values are somewhat classic.

Classic and romantic beliefs are both valid even if there are irreconcilable to each other. There are other ways this division of thinking is present in this world. These beliefs are similar to the two personality types A&B. Type A is classified as someone who is highly organized, anxious, and concerned with time management. Type B is classified as someone who is reflective and often considers the “outer world” versus the “inner world.” Again, both are completely valid even if they fully contradict each other.