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November 20 1997We have heard many times, people using the Holy Bible as an example of how words are interpreted differently by people who seek to explain why their version of Gor is different from what the philosophy is actually about. In fact, what people say of the Bible in regards to interpretation is very true. Considering it is an ancient book that not only has had the misfortune of being authored by a great many people, but also has suffered through many centuries of translation and rewording; translated from language to language, and modified in sentence structure as each given language developed over time to it's present form, to make it easier for the average person to read and understand. All of these things, either separately or combined, will tend to vary the originally intended meaning of a given verse, sentence, or word. It is not surprising that this book called "The Bible", which today is available in so many different versions and languages, has become so diversely interpreted.
We see the Bible is a fine example of the idea of interpretation, and considering that it is even available in children's versions, comprehension is not really much of an issue with it either. The Bible has been formatted to suit a great many needs, and people. However, with the novels of Gor, such is not the case. What we have before us to define the Gorean philosophy, is a series of books written over the course of a mere two decades, by one author, still in it's original language and structure.
I think that any average adult who picks up and reads a few of these books, will soon discover that they are a bit more than a simple children's adventure series. What we have in these books, written by a college professor, is a very real lesson in basic nature, corrupted earthly societal structures, and biology. Although they are at times repetitive, and in some people's opinions poorly written, it is very appearent that these books are indeed meant to be read and understood by intelligent people with a high level of reading comprehension. The author tends to use at times some large words, contained in paragraphs that often warrant a bit more than a mere skimming. Also, I think, people who read these books should have a good working knowledge of the current conditions of our own decaying society. The professor tends to touch often on comparisons of our society to the one which he created.
On the subject of reading comprehension, is it so unrealistic to understand that there are a great many levels of comprehension? Could it be that perhaps there are people out there who are simply incapable, due to their unfortunately low level of reading skill, of reading these books as anything more than an adventure series? It is highly probable in my opinion. Could this be the reason for the excuse of "interpretations"? Also, probably the case. Is it a shameful thing to have a lower level of comprehension than another person? No. Personally, as a comparison, there are a great many people who understand trigonometry, and I do not. I am not ashamed. There are a great many people who read, and understand books on quantum physics. I do not read them, nor would I understand much of their content. I am not ashamed.
I can now understand why many people see these novels of Gor as guidlines for only their roleplay. It is simple: They just do not understand what it is they are actually reading. Is it possible for these people to learn the philosophy contained within the books? Of course it is. There are many out there who fully understand what is written within them. Seek them out, discuss thoughts and ideas with them. Learn from them, and begin to truly enjoy the very deep, and real meaning of the Gorean philosophy.
I wish you well, Goreans
A recent discussion about masters, slaves, and love, prompted me to dig for this quote:
- The second reason for the bliss of many slave girls, that sequent upon the appropriateness of bondage for the beautiful woman itself, her female joy in being made to be true to herself, slave, was that, given the fresh transactions in a given city, sooner or later, masters tended to find girls who were, from their point of view, superb slaves, and girls tended to find men who were, from their point of view, marvels as masters. It is a beautiful moment when the woman realizes that the man who owns her is her love master, and the man realizes that the girl he bought, looking up at him, tears in her eyes, is his love slave.
- Then the only danger is that he will weaken. One must be strong with a love slave. If one truly loves her, he will be that strong. The slavery in which a love slave is kept is an unusually deep slavery. She must serve him with a perfection which would stun and startle other girls; if she should fail in any way, even in so small a way that the lapse would be overlooked in the case of another wench, or bring perhaps a mild word of reprimand, she is likely to be tied at the slave ring and whipped; there is a good reason for this; she is, you see, a love slave; no woman can be more in a man's power; and with no woman must he be stronger.
Beasts of Gor, pg. 236