Will I learn from their afflictions? Have I learned from my mistakes?

[sovay]

My poem "An Obedience Experiment" is now online at Rattle as this week's Poets Respond. There are notes included.

I am honored that the poem is being published in this fashion; I wish there had been no occasion to write it.

In 1961, Stanley Milgram found that 65% of his subjects complied all the way to the final supposed 450 volts. The percentages on a re-run in 2006 were nearly identical. Either we change the numbers or that 35% is going to burn out fast. I prefer Option A.

Comments

[sathari]

Here from my network page to tell you about... well, he's Milgram's opposite number, in a sense--- the guy who made his research about that other 35%: Kasimirez Dabrowski. (I can expand on this as someone who connected intensely with his work over 20 years ago when that connection was more about intensity of lived experience across various domains rather than resisting authoritarian cruelty. But the short form is... we're made for this. We do as individuals need breaks to recharge over time because this is a marathon relay-race, not a single-runner sprint. But you've reminded me that this is what I'm built to do.)

[sovay]

Here from my network page to tell you about... well, he's Milgram's opposite number, in a sense--- the guy who made his research about that other 35%: Kasimirez Dabrowski.

Pleased to meet you! I know Dąbrowski's name and the general idea of his theory, but very little of the details. I appreciate the link.

But the short form is... we're made for this. We do as individuals need breaks to recharge over time because this is a marathon relay-race, not a single-runner sprint. But you've reminded me that this is what I'm built to do.

Then I'm glad the poem was useful to you. Thank you for telling me.