Susan Blackmore has been on my mind the last few days. Or weeks. Every now and then I remember the last few pages of her wonderful book, The Meme Machine.[1] To wit, the ultimate rebellion is the letting go of all rebellion (“The Ultimate Rebellion,” October 21, 2006). But why am I returning to her conclusions at this particular time? Although one cannot be sure about such things, it seems that I am having some difficulties with the ultimate rebellion. Judging by Blackmore’s crammed site on the World Wide Web, which I revisited today, she is having similar difficulties, too. The letting go of all rebellion does not come easily. Not in the least. Actually, it is the most difficult feat of all. Enlightenment is its other name.

Addendum (April 3, 2008)

As a matter of course, I sent this piece to Susan Blackmore. “Hope you are well,” I closed my electronic-mail message. “Thanks,” she responded within minutes. “Dead right! Letting go, as you say, is not trivial!” God bless the World Wide Web, as I like to repeat ad infinitum.

Footnote

1. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999