#3

When one has a romantic understanding of the world, they see things as a whole.  They appreciate the object or thing itself and do not focus on the different pieces that make-up said object.  When one has a classical understanding, their appreciation lies within the craftsmanship of the object.  They see a collection of bark, branches, and leaves, while a romantic sees a tree.  Each has its pros and cons in certain situations.  

I tend to think in a more classical way.  When I listen to music I tend to pay attention to the different aspects of a song each time I listen, rather than the song as a whole.  When I write, I find that I do my best when I outline each topic I wish to address.  I understand things better by connecting the parts of the whole with parts of another which I already understand.  

I believe that having ADHD is a cause of my classical thinking.  It allows me to make those far fetched connections that help me understand things better.  When it comes to problem solving I find a solution after looking at the different aspects and trying to make connections.  I do also have some romantic tendencies.

Although Pirsig says that the two ways of thought are “irreconcilable”, I believe that some people can think in both ways.  A classical person cannot use the knife of Phaedrus unless they have a romantic view of the things being divided.