Question on The Fifth Discipline LO20779

William Auvinen-Bray (Bosatsu@home.com)
Tue, 2 Mar 1999 19:36:11 -0800

On page 202 of "The Fifth Discipline" there is a reference to the
"gap" when referring to the process of introspection between Mental
Models and Personal Mastery. The way I perceive this idea is, it works out
that there "seems" to be "void-in" which ideas can be process, reviewed,
honesty can come forth, and an ending or conclusion can be arrive at. One
comes to a conclusion through series of self examining questions that
can,( or possibility not), challenge the "spot" at which one finds
themselves in.
My question is, how does the gap serve as a "tool" to process through
the interconnected phases of your five disciplines? I will use an analogy
to explain further. There is a old Taoists thought about the usefulness of
the void or lack of space. For example a cup or bowl has no use or
function without the absence of space for food or fluids. The cart and the
wheel have no relationship without an axle,(or function),and without a
hole through the cart wheel, (the absences of space),the axle has no place
to seat in. It is the very lack of function that is the most functional
part!
My next question is the idea of synergy and how to view the connection
issues within individual and group functions? What are the qualities seen
when making a observation or conclusion that a true synergistic connection
has been made? I have been pondering this term for awhile as well, which
has lead me to readings in A.H. Maslows' book,"The Farther Reaches of
Human Nature." I have focused on the chapter of "Society:Synergy in the
Society and in the Individual," in which he goes into great detail on this
subject. What I found very surprising is his reference to Ruth Benedict's
work on synergy in primitive societies. I found it very interesting how
synergistic societies functioned and the direct correlation to the ideas
of "The Five Disciplines."

Bill Bray. 1-360-493-1093

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"William Auvinen-Bray" <Bosatsu@home.com>

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