Mind is both rational and non-rational; it is multi-dimensional and although part of it does logic, the wider processes of mind cannot be explained in terms of any linear approach to logical connections. It includes the shape-shifting nature of language, and play, along with related paradoxical actions and experiences. These are abundant in humor and dreams, and they offer important clues to our existence. Sadly, these non-rational dimensions have been \u201cmarginalized,\u201d written about as if they were insignificant. The illusion this is based on is the imagined idea that were one to be smart enough, informed enough, and self-disciplined enough, such tendencies would evaporate. Not so. Under-estimating these dynamics is fatal to any hope of seriously constructing a truly adequate philosophy. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s an alternative metaphysical view: The cosmos is \u201clayered,\u201d in a loose sense, with levels of order intermixed with \u201clevels\u201d of chaos or disorder or chance. This is more obvious in any contemplation of dreams, and a truly introspective mind would quickly confess that even bright and healthy people spend most of their time in a mixture of less-conscious, habit-ruled, and other states that involve opening to humor, affection, aesthetic enjoyment and discomfort, and so forth. Upon this is a rather thin veneer of seemingly disciplined thought. Even that on careful inspection is hardly as disciplined as it pretends to be.<\/p>\n
The rules for phenomena as varied as the patterns of foam in waves and the paradoxes of language may transcend any human capacity or inclination to impose order on that which cannot be so treated. It\u2019s not that there is no order\u2014there\u2019s a lot of order\u2014that\u2019s what keeps science fully drawn forward\u2014always new patterns become apparent\u2014and yet on closer examination there are other elements that transcend whatever system is offered\u2014sometimes really outweighing the known with the mysterious and paradoxical.<\/p>\n
Hence, myth, stories, and stories often interspersed with humor, ambiguous activities of gods and humans, impulsive and ridiculous acts. Reading some Jungian stories, I\u2019m reminded of this streak of non-rationality, sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic, that infests these myths.<\/p>\n