In Conclusion

"Do not ask the stones or the trees how to live; they cannot tell you; they do not have tongues; do not ask the wise man how to live, for, if he knows, he will know he cannot tell you; if you would learn how to live do not ask the question; its answer is not in the question but in the answer, which is not in words; do not ask how to live, but, instead, proceed to do so." -Marauders, p. 9

These words describe truth, but not all truth. They do not contradict, but rather complement Socrates' statement that "The unexamined life is not worth living." The focus in one's life moves often between these two ends of a continuum, and settles to find a natural balance between questioning, and being. I think it would be closer to the mark to say that is indeed necessary to ask how to live, but that one must not live life paused forever in the asking, but must answer the question, and then act on one's answer, knowing that he will find new questions up ahead, waiting to be asked in turn. Life is generous in providing us with a neverending supply both of new experiences and new questions.

When I first stepped into a Gorean chat room three and a half years ago, my own pendulum took a marked swing towards questioning and analysis. I went through an incredible period of introspection and personal growth, of learning and teaching, reading and writing, asking and resolving and deciding. So, too, have many others who have been part of the phenomenon of online Gor. And indeed, online Gor itself has changed dramatically over the years... not just the people within it, but the institutions themselves have evolved and matured in many ways. But as time goes on, I, and again, it seems many others as well, are less and less interested in the questioning and resolving and deciding, and finding the balance has shifted more and more away from asking how to live and towards towards proceeding to do so.

This will be my final column for the Gorean Voice, and represents one of the last bits of composition on the subject of Gor or philosophy in general I'm likely to write for at least a while. This is not a "farewell to Gor"... it is impossible to set aside or to leave behind that which I hold inside myself as truth. Gor is not in an action, or in a word... it is in a person, or a life. But for now, I have decided to step back, to enjoy the fact that my desire at this time is to proceed to live. There is a peace in knowing that life will provide me with questions and discoveries as I live it, but that for now my life will simply consist of living.

I do wish you well.

-Gabriel

Gabriel and kaylee write a monthly column about issues pertaining to the lifestyles of Goreans on Earth. Questions, comments, and suggestions or requests for topics can be addressed to Gabriel@gor-on-earth.com