Why don't you all just find a neat spot on the beach~ different ones every day - roaming gypsies - and become philosophical beach bums. Just imagine the inspiration which can come from those waves, the ocean, the seagulls.
Just got back from a playful and joyful encounter with
the ocean ... yes there is only one ocean.
While I spent an hour or so in the water ... the word 'encounter' seems appropriate. A person can never become "one" with the ocean.
Likewise with people ... an individual can never become "one" with an 'other' individual ... our isolation can never be totally shattered.
Today's ocean experience triggered some new thoughts that are relevant in this thread.
1) Humans love 'encounters' ... with fellow humans, animals, trees, mountains, ocean ... just about everything that cohabits the planet. Some encounters lead to lifelong relationships with the "object(s)" of the encounter.
2) The intensity of an encounter is ... to a significant degree ... a function of a) the number of our senses engaged in the encounter. b) the intensity of engagement of each sense. Walking on the ocean floor, floating effortlessly on the surface, drifting effortlessly completely submerged ... each activity producing a different sensation ... feeling.
The same logic applies to human encounters. A digital contact must necessarily be weaker(less intense) ... and consequently embody less potential ... than a face to face contact ... the essence of UP's seed.
Proximity to the ocean is indeed a catalyst for philosophical thought.
"Do not be influenced by the importance of the writer, and whether his learning be great or small; but let the love of pure truth draw you to read. Do not inquire, “Who said this?” but pay attention to what is said”
Thomas Kempis 1380-1471