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Andy:

In a private email to me you outlined the efforts you're involved in to promote bonsai as an art, not just an exercise in horticulture. I was very glad to hear about this. I feel as though I am on a sort of parallel mission, to promote bonsai as a spiritual or philosophical pursuit, not just an exercise in horticulture--something somebody does because it's "cool."

Unfortunately, your mission goes unnoticed in your tone. You can't pummel your views into someone else's head. It simply doesn't work.

I understand your contention that the US doesn't have a culture as such, because we are too young for that to have taken place. If you're thinking of a unified culture, you're right. This is a very diverse place. But, look at cultures/societies which are homogenous. They often have difficulty absorbing other viewpoints. Some countries in Europe, for instance, have a tough time accepting immigrants as citizens. I'm willing to sacrifice a homogenous culture for a society which is at least partially capable of accepting people from other cultures.

We don't have a homogenous culture. To bemoan that is to bang your head against a wall. The thing to do is live with it, and learn from it.

Craig Cowing
Blooming Grove NY
Zone 5b/6a

19-Dec-2002	#92
Craig Cowing Recovering Workaholic Join Date: Aug-2002 Location: Orange County NY Country: USA USDA Zone: 6a!!! AHS Heat Zone: 5 Posts: 647	Andy: In a private email to me you outlined the efforts you're involved in to promote bonsai as an art, not just an exercise in horticulture. I was very glad to hear about this. I feel as though I am on a sort of parallel mission, to promote bonsai as a spiritual or philosophical pursuit, not just an exercise in horticulture--something somebody does because it's "cool." Unfortunately, your mission goes unnoticed in your tone. You can't pummel your views into someone else's head. It simply doesn't work. I understand your contention that the US doesn't have a culture as such, because we are too young for that to have taken place. If you're thinking of a unified culture, you're right. This is a very diverse place. But, look at cultures/societies which are homogenous. They often have difficulty absorbing other viewpoints. Some countries in Europe, for instance, have a tough time accepting immigrants as citizens. I'm willing to sacrifice a homogenous culture for a society which is at least partially capable of accepting people from other cultures. We don't have a homogenous culture. To bemoan that is to bang your head against a wall. The thing to do is live with it, and learn from it. Craig Cowing Blooming Grove NY Zone 5b/6a __________________ I'm not finished yet, neither are my trees.