to speak from an external perspective.

[keannu]

Source : Korean Education Broadcasting System, 190p

There is a story about William Penn, founder of the state of Pennsylvania. Part of his apparel as an aristocrat was to wear a sword. He asked George Fox, one of the early members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), whether it was all right to wear one. Fox’s response was not “Take it off this instant; we are a pacifist organisation” but “Wear it as long as you can.” I find that a good rule to live by: eat meat for as long as you can, fly to overseas holidays for as long as you can, drink alcohol for as long as you can; give up when and if the discomfort grows too much. Pay attention to the inner truth, We speak of having
choices and, of course, compared to those who struggle to survive, we do. But to talk of making decisions is to speak from an external perspective. There is an interior imperative, and the way becomes clear.

What does the underlined mean? I don't get it.
Does it mean you make a wait-and-see policy when you make a decision?

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

. . . But to talk of making decisions is to speak from an external perspective. There is an interior imperative, and the way becomes clear.

What does the underlined mean? I don't get it. Does it mean you make a wait-and-see policy when you make a decision?

You're right, the writing is awkward. But I think you can figure it out.

Take the phrase in context. It's in contrast to "an interior imperative."

What does "interior imperative" mean to you? What might the opposite be?

 

[keannu]

You're right, the writing is awkward. But I think you can figure it out.

Take the phrase in context. It's in contrast to "an interior imperative."

What does "interior imperative" mean to you? What might the opposite be?

Maybe it's like peer pressure or you are forced to do somthing by others.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Yes, it might be those. Or lots of other outside influences and expectations.

I think you get it now. Fox was basically telling Penn that if he's more comfortable wearing the sword, he shouldn't worry about what others think or expect. He should follow his "inner truth."