[lit-ideas] The Grammatical Monkey

R. P. in his post a couple days ago:

>I will take JL's word for this. What I'd like to know, however, is,  first
of all, where he said it, >and after that, what it means. If answers to 
the first to are forthcoming, I would further like to >know why it is being
displayed here as on one of those patches of sunlight on a broken >column,
the rest of which is in deep shadow.

----

Well,

i. I was playing with Andreas Ramos's idea that history of ideas is
important. Apparently in Germany it is, and I take Andreas's word for  that.

ii. I thought. What idea could we explore. Since this is lit-ideas, I
thought, 'literature'.

iii. As an etymologist I really don't _want_ prima facie to see in
literature what the word means, something to do with 'letters' (cfr.  
implicature,
something to do with implying).

iv. Plus, I have Cicero on my side that this translates 'grammatike tekhne'
 of the Greeks.

v. I find that Aristotle revered grammar as a potency of _any_ rational 
being that he thought man to be.

vi. And I'd agree -- but to the extent of calling a book, The Grammatical
Monkey!? Give _me_ a banana!

Cheers,

J. L. Speranza
   The Swimming-Pool Library

**************We found the real ‘Hotel California’ and the ‘Seinfeld’
diner. What will you find? Explore WhereItsAt.com.
(http://www.whereitsat.com/#/music/all-spots/355/47.796964/-66.374711/2/Youve-Found-Where-Its-At?ncid=eml
cntnew00000007)

Other related posts: