June 11, 2002 In cordial reply to Mr. Gerhard Petak, Mr. Tobias, et al; Inadequate I tend to think comparison between “allerseelen” and the opera of Battistelli. It is nearly irreverent to consider otherwise. Although you cite literature read to you very well, scholars with whom I discuss Juenger find that non-academic interpretations seem to lack the essential and trained understanding needed to fully appreciate the detailed significance of Juenger’s thought. Otherwise, one is left with vague general notions that, perhaps, may only be conveyed in art, do indeed lack the ability to express more detailed notions in respect to Juenger’s work in the form of writing. Incidentally, Mr. Petak has attempted such writing as he acknowledges. Academically, though, I apologize that I do not find self-photocopied booklets a reputable and credentialed source of thought about Herr Juenger. It is more or less comparing apples to oranges. It cannot be done. If Mr. Petak’s writing is not published by a house other than himself, then what reason do I have to believe that his information is not third rate and unviable? What type of training qualifies Mr. Petak to garner serious consideration of his work? So far his writing has been poor, his logic convoluted, and his language rather inaccurate. This damages the reputation of Juengerian study because the quality of his independent activity is not at all of parity to the standards of academia, or for the matter, to parity with the scope of Juenger’s work. I am in no way attacking Mr. Petak personally, I am only curious about his qualifications. So I am incapable of understanding what merits my question as to his academic affiliation to be strange. In closing, this short letter requires no response, nor do my thoughts require further elaboration or defense. It is somewhat embarrassing to even consider such a response to Mr. Petak necessary, and I finally decided it to be worthwhile only to preserve the integrity of Jungerian study. I am sure that anyone may contribute to the list, and I hopefully will not prompt adolescent slander from Mr. Petak or his constituents. I apologize for presupposing that academic qualification was necessary to participate. I do find Mr. Petak’s “Kotos=Kalanda” alone exceptionally listenable, and I wish him luck with his artistic endeavors. Several weeks from now I plan to post some ideas I am working on, and Mr. Petak is more than welcome to discuss those if he so chooses. Perhaps it would moreso enable his understanding of Juenger’s thought (and mine as well). With particular regard, Leon J. Niemoczynski East Stroudsburg University _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com
Markup © John King, July 2001.