I cannot be the particular individual I am without particular others (parents, teachers, friends, etc.). The others might have been other others (different parents, e.g.) but then I would be a different particular individual.
But I cannot be an individual at all without being a particular individual.
So, I cannot be particular without others.
There is no irreducibility without relation.
But of course, there is no relation without irreducible difference either. If I am not other than others, I am the same, and only self-related.
My irreducible uniqueness and my relations are not two things that need to be “balanced” on each side of a fulcrum. They constitute and define each other, and neither makes sense without the other.
Dear Reader,
Can I be direct with you?
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Our goal: Raise $150,000 by November 1 to sustain First Things in the year ahead.
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