That’s an interesting take on this poem. And I guess it opens up a philosophical debate about determinism vs. free will. My son and I have a lot of conversations about this topic. I tend to lean towards compatiblism because I refuse to believe that humans don’t have at least some free will in the things we do, and the choices we make. But I like some aspects of Determinism because I think it fosters a comforting sense of self kindness. It helps me begin to forgive myself for choices made in the past that I wish were different.
Regardless of one’s view, I think the line that strikes me is Way leads on to way. I think that line holds so much truth regardless of a free will or not. We either make choices or it feels like we make choices, and one simply leads to the next. There is never any going back to that prior crossroads…I’ll post some other thoughts and resources over in the thread over the next week or so!
I support this life-view (if that's the best term) a lot, Ann.
Listening to a lot of Sam Harris made me really challenge my notion of free will vs determinism. It's quite a fascinating topic, but it can also be a mind-melting one. That said, like you, I do take some comfort from leaning more towards one side.
I haven't read the post that Brian linked yet.
I do love this poem, though. Frost has real mastery of efficiency, prose and lyricism (in my very narrow experience of poetry).
Completely off-topic but I have to tell you, Nathan, because you have a zany sense of humor...There's a small neighborhood of fancy homes near me called "Frost Forest". The street the houses are on is actually called "Less Traveled Way." :-)
'Yet knowing how way leads on to way' stood out to me too. It's a thing. So simply put. And then, the projected regret. I did this one at school, and am wondering about how it's misinterpreted again. (Maybe I'm doing it?)
I for sure was misinterpreting it (I still contest we can all interpret a poem however we want, so the misinterpretation here is simply compared to what Mr. Frost stated about the poem). The podcast I linked to in the newsletter does a nice job of explaining it in just a few minutes. I will also post some other resources on this in the paid subscriber chat. I’m excited to see you over there this month!
That’s an interesting take on this poem. And I guess it opens up a philosophical debate about determinism vs. free will. My son and I have a lot of conversations about this topic. I tend to lean towards compatiblism because I refuse to believe that humans don’t have at least some free will in the things we do, and the choices we make. But I like some aspects of Determinism because I think it fosters a comforting sense of self kindness. It helps me begin to forgive myself for choices made in the past that I wish were different.
Regardless of one’s view, I think the line that strikes me is Way leads on to way. I think that line holds so much truth regardless of a free will or not. We either make choices or it feels like we make choices, and one simply leads to the next. There is never any going back to that prior crossroads…I’ll post some other thoughts and resources over in the thread over the next week or so!
I support this life-view (if that's the best term) a lot, Ann.
Listening to a lot of Sam Harris made me really challenge my notion of free will vs determinism. It's quite a fascinating topic, but it can also be a mind-melting one. That said, like you, I do take some comfort from leaning more towards one side.
I haven't read the post that Brian linked yet.
I do love this poem, though. Frost has real mastery of efficiency, prose and lyricism (in my very narrow experience of poetry).
He really does. I’m excited to memorize this one!
Completely off-topic but I have to tell you, Nathan, because you have a zany sense of humor...There's a small neighborhood of fancy homes near me called "Frost Forest". The street the houses are on is actually called "Less Traveled Way." :-)
Hah, that's brilliant.
I'd say that's absolutely on-topic. ;)
Hehehe! Not the Builder's intention, but probably a good street name for houses rife with regrettable decisions... :-)
'Yet knowing how way leads on to way' stood out to me too. It's a thing. So simply put. And then, the projected regret. I did this one at school, and am wondering about how it's misinterpreted again. (Maybe I'm doing it?)
I for sure was misinterpreting it (I still contest we can all interpret a poem however we want, so the misinterpretation here is simply compared to what Mr. Frost stated about the poem). The podcast I linked to in the newsletter does a nice job of explaining it in just a few minutes. I will also post some other resources on this in the paid subscriber chat. I’m excited to see you over there this month!
Will listen to it and loop back.