[Stede and Dede have eaten. The campfire glows hotly, so they feel warm and toasty. Just the setting for continuing the discussion of momentous things.]
Dede: Momentous things… What momentous things?
Stede: Our earlier discussion about finding one’s Self.
Dede: Oh. That. OK – So you suggested that I was on to something when I said that I realized that I liked blueberry syrup rather than maple on my pancakes.
Stede: Yes.
Dede: But what?
Stede: Well, let me ask you this: how did you know that you liked blueberry over maple?
Dede: I don’t know – I just did.
Stede: Might it not be that there are some aspects of what goes on with each of us that is so intensely personal that we just know because it exists? The very fact of the preference is itself the information you use to say that you know that you have this preference. You don’t need anyone to tell you that it is so. You just know.
Dede: Yes – that’s correct.
Stede: Right. And it’s when you haven’t experienced a preference that you find yourself saying things like, “I don’t know which one I like better.” In other words, the experience comes before your knowledge of it. It has to be that way, doesn’t it?
Dede: Yes. I guess that’s correct. But so what?
Stede: Well maybe this principle works in areas besides just matters of preference.
Dede: Like what?
[What will Stede tell Dede? Will Dede like what Stede tells him? Momentous thoughts are being thunk by our heroes. How about you?]
