The other day, on awaking, it popped in my head that the word Home contains–forgive my use of the term–the meat of the Sanskritic sacred mantra Om. Then I started canvassing the few languages I am somewhat OK in, and the only other example I could come up with Homme, from the French.
Now, I am as interested in the process of thinking as in the outcome. Since reading Edward de Bono’s work (4 or 5 books, and I am actually certified to teach his Six Thinking Hats) I have believed that thought is not something that happens, but a type of work no different in principle than building a house. There are methods, and definable outcomes, of which creativity is one. You can choose to be creative.
One basic technique is the formation of a continuum. The mind operates in a binary fashion, if left to its own devices. Continuums, however, of their nature are not binary. They demand shades of gray and gradation.
The following, therefore, may not be “true”, but perhaps useful nonetheless.
Let us start, then by assuming that the residing place of this Om formulation says something important about both cultures.
In English, it is a place, and a state of mind, that of being ennested, of belonging, of participating in a larger web of consistent relationships.
In French, it is Man, understood as the arbiter of reality, but tragically denuded of home.
Can we not see echoes of this basic dichotomy in the cultural evolution of both traditions. Where did solipsism–excuse me, Existentialism–arise? France. The fatal individual. The stoic hero, transfixed in an indifferent eternity, condemned to “Freedom”, to constant self definition and redefinition. Alone.
The English, with their pragmatic alternative, focused rather on building homes, on building social orders consistent with belonging.
Again: this is just a sort mental calisthenic, perhaps devoid of “truth”, but it is good to bend your mind in different ways.
Do with it what you will.
Edit: actually, I see now that despite saying I was not going to form a dichotomy, I have formed a dichotomy. This is amusing and instructive. No doubt I can do this thing better, but I think I am going to finish my cigar and drink some whiskey.