Reply to Blog Friend Hongxing's Reply

2006/4/22 22:12:41

First, vector addition has nothing to do with whether the vectors are ordered. Even for vectors in the same direction, the rules are the same.

Second, so-called "order" is merely a historical concept. There is no eternal order. Order and disorder are both self-generated distinctions.

Furthermore, Engels's statement is merely a metaphor. Using it to construct a so-called mathematical model of human social development is delusion upon delusion.

Additionally, quoting Engels was merely using the old patriarch of the left to attack the left — it does not mean agreement with his views as being particularly outstanding. Of course, Old Engels's formulation is at least slightly more sophisticated than many others. In particular, his de-emphasis of so-called teleological claims about the "general direction of social development" is more advanced than many — including both his supporters and opponents. But he still has unfinished aspects.

Finally, thank you for your reply. At least you are genuinely trying to analyze the problem. As for some Liming character, please don't put him in the same sentence as Engels — he doesn't deserve it!