聽神談【關於「原始」與「評判」】
當我們聽到某人的觀察評估指出，我們社會是一個「原始」(primitive)的社會，許多人心理會認為那是一種評判(judgment)。然而，這很可能是因為我們自己對「原始」這個詞或這說法已有評判，才會讓我們「聽起來像自己被認為是那樣」。此篇對話的內容可以幫助我們更了解和釐清這類的相關觀念：
聽神談【關於「原始」與「評判」】
「把退步視為進步」是一種原始(primitive)社會的標記。你們的社會已經在退步，而不是在向前進步。在七十年前大部分你們世界所展現的，都比現在更慈悲。
尼爾：這種說法有些人很難聽進去，你說你是一個不評判的神，可是有些人會覺得在此已被批判，並到處被認為是錯的。
這點我們之前已經討論過了。如果你說你要去台南，車子卻開向台北；這時如果你向人問路，路人告訴你說「你原先走的方向到不了台南」，這個人是在批判嗎？
尼爾：說我們「原始」並不是單純給我們指示方向。「原始」這個字有輕蔑的意思。
真的嗎？然而，你們說你們那麼欣賞「原始」藝術。而某些音樂也因為它的「原始」特質才具有風味——更不用說有些女人了。
尼爾：你是在玩弄文字。
一點也不。我只是在告訴你，「原始」這個字一點也沒有輕蔑的意思。是你們自己的評判使它帶上了貶義的味道。「原始」只是敘述性的。它所說的只是真實的情況：一個還在發展的早期階段的某東西。它的意思僅是如此。它沒有「對」或「錯」的意思。是你們把這些意思加進去的。
在此我並沒有讓你們「被認為是錯的」。我只是描述你們的文化是「原始」的。那是因為你們自己對「原始」已有評判，而讓你們「聽起來像自己被認為是錯的」。
我並沒有這樣的評判。(I have no such judgment.)
要了解這點：評估不是評判。那只一個對「本然所是」的觀察。(Understand this : An assessment is not a judgment. It is merely an observation of That Is.)
我要你們知道，我愛你們。我對你們不做評判。我看著你們，只看到美麗與敬佩(I look at you and see only beauty and wonder.)。
尼爾：就像那原始藝術(primitive art)。
正是如此。我聽著你們悅耳的聲音，而我只覺得激動。
尼爾：就像那原始音樂(primitive music)。
現在你已懂了。
摘自《與神對話 III》第16章
It is the mark of a primitive society to call regression progress. Your society has moved backward, not forward. Much of your world demonstrated more compassion seventy years ago than it does today.
Neale: Some people are going to have a hard time hearing this. You say You are a nonjudgmental God, yet some people may feel judged and made wrong all over the place here.
We’ve been over this before. If you say you want to go to Seattle and you’re actually driving to San Jose, is the person of whom you’re asking directions being judgmental if you’re told you’re heading in a direction that won’t get you where you say you want to go?
Neale: Calling us “primitive” is not simply giving us directions. The word primitive is pejorative.
Really? And yet you say you so admire “primitive” art. And certain music is often savored, for its “primitive” qualities—to say nothing of certain women.
Neale: You’re using word play now to change things around.
Not at all. I’m merely showing you that “primitive” is not necessarily pejorative. It is your judgment that makes it so. “Primitive” is merely descriptive. It simply says what is true: A certain thing is in the very early stages of development. It says nothing more than that. It says nothing about “right” or “wrong.” You add those meanings.
I have not “made you wrong” here. I have merely described your culture as primitive. That would only “sounds” wrong to you if you have a judgment about being primitive.
I have no such judgment.
Understand this: An assessment is not a judgment. It is merely an observation of What Is.I want you to know that I love you. I have no judgments about you. I look at you and see only beauty and wonder.
Neale: Like that primitive art.
Precisely. I hear your melody and I feel only excitement.
Neale: As with primitive music.
You are understanding now.
