tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444921252817591649.post4632330726733737838..comments2023-04-15T17:21:33.890+03:00Comments on The Romanian Office: "The Lure of the East" - British Orientalist Paintings - Exploring Self-reflectionRoxana Pascariuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03929739773333948659noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444921252817591649.post-28796029722416416102010-12-28T17:11:15.953+02:002010-12-28T17:11:15.953+02:00Especially in the West, we find it very easy and s...Especially in the West, we find it very easy and satisfying to evaluate and define those of other cultures.<br /><br />We think of this as being an objective approach to becoming culturally enlightened.<br /><br />Sadly, what we accomplish is little more than the collection of abstract data.<br /><br />What is lacking is our ability and willingness to EXPERIENCE each other.<br /><br />A great physician does not limit her interaction with patients to the asking of questions and the observations made with the eyes.<br /><br />There is a tactile component of diagnosis which cannot be avoided if there is a sincere desire to truly understand the needs of the patient.<br /><br />We cannot fend off each other "at arms length" while also claiming to know and understand those who seem to be different from us.<br /><br />Instead, we can share the rituals of daily life with each other: walking together, eating together, playing together, etc.<br /><br />For myself, as an Orthodox Christian, it is hypocritical for me to approach the cup of communion when I refuse to eat my daily meals with anyone who is not of "my own kind".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com