Comments and Notes:
2007-07-10 Order of the Teaspoon
I have seen this allegory quoted differently, and I think leaving out some important parts, so let me quote it here exactly from the book:
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Let me conclude with my story of the Order of the Teaspoon. I believe that if one person is watching a huge calamity - let's say a conflagration - there are always three principal options.
Option 1: Run away, as far away and as fast as you can, and let those who cannot run burn.
Option 2: Write a very angry letter to the editor of your paper demanding that the responsible people be removed from office in disgrace. Or for taht matter, launch a demonstration.
Option 3: Bring a bucket of water and throw it on the fire, and if you don't have a bucket, bring a glass, and if you don't have a glass, use a teasppppoon - everyone has a teaspoon. And yes, I know a teaspoon is little and the fire is huge, but there are millions of us and each one of us has a teaspoon.
Now I would like to establish the Order of the Teaspoon.
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Anyone here in Tucson want to be part of a local 'Order of the Teaspoon'? Now I think that one thing, is that the point is not to give money to some group claiming to represent this 'Order' - as a site in Switzerland asks for! - but to just take small actions and talk about them to encourage others.
And, it seems to me that words are indeed a form of action, remember that Oz is primarily a writer. Option 2, which is not suggested, is the angry letter/demonstration, but writing words pinpointing a problem or reporting facts I think is a constructive 'Teaspoon' activity.
You know what - I'm going to ask Oz about this directly. Will post his answer here if I get one. --gv
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