OPEN SECRET : 26




Why we cannot Be


All existence is objective.

We only exist as one another's objects, and as such only in the consciousness that cognises us, for our experience of one another is only an act of cognition in mind and in no way asserts the experiential existence of the object cognised.

Our objective existence, therefore, is in mind only; that is, it is merely conceptual.
As regards subjective existence - is not that a contradiction in terms? That implies an objectivisation of subject, which as subject-object represents the hypothetical 'being' which we imagine that we are. Subjectively there can be no 'us'.

Thereby is clearly demonstrated our total 'inexistence' other than as concepts in consciousness.

(© HKU Press, 1965)
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