GRGR(8) Discussion Opener

[Paul Mackin]

All these deep, deep questions in the last couple
pages of the episode. Synthesis? Control? This is not
just the old rivalry between cause-and-effect and
statistical probability, nor for that matter between
romanticism and neoclassicism even though it may
sound a little like it. The opposites are hopelessly
intertwined so that there is enough indeterminateness
(or overdeterminateness) built in that we can never
parse things out in a satisfactory way (causing for me
 the same frustrations as in trying to "figure out" V.).
This is all to the good. Pynchon's magic words have
to stand as written. No translation is possible. Lie
back and enjoy.

To put the best face on it, the Nazis WANT an
idealized organic wholeness in their Germany and
Rathenau's blueprint for corporate, cartelized
capitalism has the right sound to it (I have recently
read an excerpt and it SOUNDS good to me) as well as
solidifying control in  the right places. But, as Rathenau
NOW sees it, all is vanity.  Trying to construct (synthesize)
organic wholeness (life) out of cause-and-effect, technologized,
progressive, step-by-step secular history leads only to death.
The Nazis already instinctively know this (have a
generous portion of that famous collective German death
wish organically built in) but need confirmation from the now
omniscient philosopher. They see his warning as good news.
Nobody has to know but them.

					P.