Hi, I'm having trouble understanding this and relating it back to my area of study, "belonging"-
"In this regard, Emily Dickinson's poetry repeatedly echoes Voegelin's analyses of consciousness and existence. For Emily Dickinson, to be hman is to BE "the Question" - the questioning tension toward that divine ground of existence that is the origin, deepest identity, and ultimate concern of each of us- in the enacting of which, as long as we live,"there is no answer", finally, "other than the comprehending mystery as it beocomes luminous in the acts of questioning".
In what way does this questioning mindset prohibit belonging?
Thanks so much for your help =)
Humans have always been questioning why we're here on earth (what our purpose is, why did God make us, etc.). Basically, there is no answer, just the mystery.
[The author of this seems to be contrasting what Emily Dickinson's poetry seems to be questioning (what is it to be human?) with Shakespeare's lines in Hamlet's famous soliloquy: "to be or not to be..." -- but Hamlet was questioning whether or not he should commit suicide, not questioning why he was alive.]
Hello! I can certainly help you understand the concept of belonging in relation to the quote you provided.
Based on the passage you shared, it seems that Emily Dickinson portrays a perspective where being human is essentially defined by questioning and seeking a deeper understanding of existence. This constant questioning mindset can be seen as a central aspect of human nature and consciousness.
Now, let's explore how this questioning mindset might relate to the concept of belonging.
Belonging typically involves feeling connected, accepted, and a sense of being a part of a group or community. It often requires some degree of shared understanding, values, and identity. However, the continuous questioning and seeking for understanding can create a tension that makes it challenging to solidly identify with a particular group or community.
When individuals constantly question their own existence and are driven to explore the depths of their consciousness, it can lead to a sense of disconnection or alienation from those who may not engage in such introspection to the same extent. This questioning mindset may sow doubts about the shared values and beliefs that facilitate belonging.
In other words, the act of questioning and seeking answers can create a psychological distance from others. It may prevent individuals from fully aligning themselves with a specific group or community because they constantly explore beyond the boundaries of conventional understanding.
To summarize, the questioning mindset emphasized by Emily Dickinson may inhibit a sense of belonging because it can create a sense of alienation or distance from individuals who do not share the same level of philosophical inquiry and depth of introspection.
I hope this explanation helps! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.