Unit VI
(Chapters 19-22)
What is the good life? The
purpose of this unit is to show how it can be defined and how it can be
achieved. It also describes the Walden
Code and customs, showing how some of the problems in a competitive society
might be avoided. In addition, it
offers an opportunity to tour the health facilities.
Summary
At dinner, Burris
comments on the failure of other attempts at cooperative living, isolated from
the rest of the world. "I should
think," he adds, "the failure of similar attempts in the past would
have some bearing on Walden Two."
Frazier
bristles in reply, "Similar!
Similar!" he says, almost mockingly. "How similar? How
similar?"
He argues that we only know
what their buildings looked like and what the members wrote about, if they were
literate. He says he has great respect
for these people, and the relevancy of their written works but argues that they
tell us little about the psychological management of their communities. "The cultural pattern was usually a
matter of revealed truth and not open to experimental modification-except when
conspicuously unsuccessful. The
community wasn't set up as a real experiment..."
The general approach in
these earlier communities, Frazier asserts, was to escape all governmental
controls, insofar as possible, thereby allowing natural human virtues to become
manifest. "What more can you ask
for as an explanation of failure?" he asks. (Chapter 19)
After dinner, the group goes
to the roof of the common rooms for a discussion of the good life. When challenged for a definition, Frazier
asserts that the good life entails the following conditions: health, minimal
unpleasant labor, opportunity to exercise talents and abilities, intimate and
satisfying personal contacts, and finally rest and relaxation.
"Is there any doubt
that health is better than illness?" he asks, describing his first
condition for the good life. Castle
points out possible exceptions, when someone might choose ill-health. Frazier resists. "Other things being
equal," he insists, "we choose health." And there is no
further dispute on this point.
"Secondly, can anyone
doubt that an absolute minimum of unpleasant labor is part of the Good
Life?" Burris replies.
"That's the millionaire's idea, anyway."
Frazier points out that he
does not want to avoid labor by imposing on others. He simply wants to reduce unpleasant labor to a minimum. "Painful or uninteresting work is a
threat to both physical and psychological health." At Walden Two,
unpleasant work has been largely eliminated.
"Even
hard work is fun if it's not beyond our strength and we don't have too much of
it," he adds.
"We
may even search for work when a scarcity threatens."
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The
fatal flaw in labor reform, Frazier continues, is that these programs invoke
long, dismal campaigns during which the labor leaders attempt to create
dissatisfaction and unrest. The reform
movement depends in part on increasing the feeling of misery among workers.
"Can
you believe," Frazier asks, concluding his argument on a different note,
"that most of us have stored up enough spare credits to take a long
vacation if we liked?"
"The
Good Life also means a chance to exercise talents and abilities," he
continues, making his third point.
There is time in Walden Two, he says, for arts and crafts, sports and
hobbies. But most important is the
chance to express interest in the world.
This interest, casual or controlled, is an unnecessary exploration of
the world, selected and pursued purely for pleasure.
On
the fourth point, there is again no debate.
"And we need intimate and satisfying personal contacts,"
Frazier declares. The Social Manager in
Walden Two seeks this goal, using various means, discouraging domination and
criticism of others, encouraging general tolerance and affection.
"Last
of all, the Good Life means rest and relaxation, says Frazier, adding that this
condition occurs regularly in Walden Two.
The reason is not merely a reduction in labor but also the satisfaction
of needs. The leisure class in
contemporary society, he points out, may be the least relaxed, struggling
"to have a good time" or "to get what they want." True
leisure, at Walden Two, is more than a reduced work load.
This
approach to the good life, Frazier argues, is not theory but fact. The success of Walden Two gives more than a rational
argument; it provides experimental justification.
"How do you keep these
conditions in force?" asks Burris.
Frazier replies that happiness cannot be
enforced. The key issue is not
force. "All we need, he
insists,
"is adequate behavioral engineering."
Castle
asks how these conditions can be put into effect, and Frazier answers that the key
lies in certain rules of conduct, the Walden Code. This code is a memory aid until good behavior becomes
habitual. Whereupon Frazier proceeds to
give some examples of rules of conduct at Walden Two: Do not discuss the
operation of the community with outsiders.
Give a full explanation of your work to any interested community
member. Do not gossip. Express boredom readily.
Since Burris
asks specifically for examples of trivial rules, Frazier expounds on the gossip
rule. "It was hard to put into
effect," he points out. "A
valuable rule, of course, in easing personal difficulties."
The Code, he emphasizes,
even concerns the social graces. At
Walden Two, strangers do not wait to be introduced and do not bother with
perfunctory introductions, when there is no clear purpose. The average American may find this custom
awkward, but it would cause no embarrassment among the English.
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Frazier points to the open
expression of boredom, further illustrating the Code for social behavior. It was also a difficult rule to put into
practice. But once adopted, the members of Walden Two found it efficient and
gratifying, saving many dull moments. They spare themselves by saying:
"You've told me that before" or "That's something which I don't
find very interesting. “Burris decides that the speaker would feel
affronted. "Not when the practice is fully accepted," Frazier
replies. "It's just a matter of getting used to it."
Castle voices skepticism.
Life at Walden Two would not challenge him. Long-term plans are not possible.
Frazier makes a
distinction. A few highly intelligent people
need distant and magnificent goals, but most people simply do not want to plan
that way. Castle asserts that only the
latter would be happy in a community like Walden Two, and Frazier argues that
such people are the basis of a community---solid and trustworthy.
Then Frazier doubts that
highly intelligent people with long-range plans would be unhappy at Walden Two.
He asks Castle to send a highly intelligent friend with distant goals to Walden
Two, and then, through experimentation, they could decide whether Walden Two is
a place for a person with long-range plans. Castle has no specific person in
mind. “What about the boy who wants to
make a name for himself in some business?” he asks.
Frazier explains that both
fame and fortune usually are achieved at others' expense. At Walden Two there
is no direct competition and therefore little admiration of others' exceptional
achievements. The Code even prohibits the direct expression of thanks. Frazier
explains that the community overflows with gratitude, but not to anyone in
particular. The people at Walden Two are grateful to all and to none.
If a competent person is not
praised, an incompetent person is not blamed.
The incompetent individual is simply given other work. Castle asks, "What if a man did poor
work, or none at all, in every job you put him on?" Frazier replies that
the man would be sent to a psychologist, but it is likely that he would visit
the psychologist on his own long before the condition was judged serious.
Frazier, noting Castle's
antiexperimental attitude, discusses the value of the experimental approach. "Experimentation with life-could
anything be more fascinating?"
"But do you really
experiment at all?" Burris asks.
"You mean the
'control,"' says Frazier. "We're
too small to keep two groups of children separate, he continues, giving an
example. "Some day it may be
possible-we shall have controls to satisfy the most academic statistician. And by that time they may be necessary, too,
for we shall have reached the point of dealing with very subtle
differences. At present they aren't
necessary. To go to all the trouble of
running controls would be to make a fetish of the scientific method."
To illustrate, Frazier
describes a man who complains of fallen arches, dandruff, and eyestrain. Later, when he is completely cured, the
physician has no doubt about what led to what.
The eyeglasses did not cure the fallen arches or the dandruff; the arch
supports had no bearing on the relief from the other problems.
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Burris objects. The example is contrived. But then he recalls that in the early stages
of any science rapid advances are possible without elaborate statistical
controls.
"The happiness and
equanimity of our people," Frazier insists, "are obviously related to the self-control they have acquired."
Frazier comments on the
advantages of a good night's sleep and he heads towards his room. Castle, too, takes his leave of the group.
(Chapter 20)
Burris, however, goes for a
walk and smokes a cigarette, disconcerted at the lack of enjoyment smoking
gives him. He wonders at his recently
diminishing consumption of tobacco.
He hears footsteps and
realizes that Steve and Mary are looking for him. They ask what he thinks of Walden Two and whether or not Frazier
is telling the truth. It then becomes
clear that
the
couple is hopeful about joining Walden Two.
When Burris says there should be no question about whether they can
join, the couple is elated.
Burris
goes to his room, feeling strangely in conflict. He envies Frazier, has grown especially fond of Mary, and wonders
about himself for even thinking about living in Walden Two. (Chapter 21)
In
the morning, the news that Mary
and Steve
are joining Walden Two has diverse effects.
Burris and Rodge
extend their wholehearted congratulations.
Barbara
and Castle show disapproval. Steve and
Mary are happy with their choice, as is Frazier. As usual, Burris continues in his role as mediator.
After
the touring party finishes earning labor
credits, they go to the medical building.
Steve and Mary will take the medical examination, their last requirement
for becoming members of Walden Two, and Frazier takes this opportunity to
discuss preventive
medicine and dentistry.
(Chapter 22)
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Key Concepts
Write a definition for each of these terms. When in doubt, reread the indicated pages in
Walden
Two and consult the glossary in
this guidebook.
experimental
point of view, 162
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Illustrations
The concepts in Walden Two are often illustrated in
daily life. Below are students'
illustrations of three concepts in this unit.
Supply additional examples yourself of these or other key concepts in this
unit.
The Good Life (146). "I just recently
discovered the essentials of the 'good life,' and their importance in quality
daily existence. This wasn't something
to which I had devoted any intellectual or philosophical exercise. No, quite the opposite. I was hit in the face with the fact that my
bleeding stomach ulcer was due, at least in part, to a lack of the optimal
conditions for human living: a minimum of unpleasant labor, opportunities to
use talents and abilities, satisfying personal relationships, adequate rest
and relaxation, and good health.
"Now I have not lived a
wretched life, totally void of such conditions, but there were a few things
that my doctor, and some well-intentioned friends, suggested I change. I was working at a highly stressful, underpaid
job where I was also dealing with a certain amount of sexual harassment. The long hours of this job prevented me from
taking the courses I so desperately needed to complete my bachelor's degree,
hindering my freedom to fully realize my abilities and talents. Third, due to my long hours, coupled with my
responsibilities for my children, rest and relaxation were two states I could
only imagine, much less enjoy. Of
course, I had very little time to spend with my friends, so put another strike
next to satisfying relationships. All
totaled, these situations contributed to the stress and tension which caused my
stomach ulcer: thus the last optimal condition, good health, was no longer
something I enjoyed.
"It was very clear that
changes were needed. I quit my job,
which was the root cause of many other problems. Immediately the tension was lifted, and I had time to pursue my
education fully. I was also able to
enjoy my children, despite the work of child-rearing, and to spend time with
friends occasionally, thus reintroducing quality relationships into my
life. Perhaps most importantly, I
altered my attitude; no longer did I feel guilty about taking some time
everyday just to relax, be it meditation or a long hot bath. These factors have facilitated a speedy
recovery, and I am no longer suffering from the painful symptoms of the
ulcer."
The Walden Code (150). "As an undergraduate I went to a small
private college that had, along with its ethical standards, an honor code. The basis of the Code was that the college
was a community, with each member responsible for his or her own conduct and
for collectively upholding the standards and ideals of the community. The Code spanned both the academic and
social spheres of the college.
"During
my senior year I went to a campus discussion about the effectiveness of the
Code in the community. Two students
expressed concern that while the academic portion of the Code was clear, the
social aspect seemed too vague. They felt
they needed a set of more specific written
rules to follow, almost as if they wanted a checklist of 'honorable' and
'dishonorable' actions. I was disturbed
by the lack of understanding of the Code these remarks implied. I asked these students how long they had
been at the college. My suspicions were
correct! They were
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freshmen. I went from disturbed to delighted, having
answered for myself the question of whether or not the Code was effective. It was by seeing someone else's naivete
about the Code that I was able to see my own growth in the years I had been
there.
“For me as a senior, the
Honor Code needed no more specificity, but more importantly, I realized I no
longer abided by the Honor Code because of the college. Instead I liked living
my life this way. It was then that I realized I had taken the Honor Code into
my life outside of the college.'
Preventive medicine (176). "I
belong to a clinic which actively concerns itself with preventive medicine.
Members receive a newsletter regularly to help them keep up to date on
health-related issues. Articles include information on diet and exercise as
well as tips for avoiding serious
health problems.
"Seminars
are also held periodically on a wide range of topics. Through these seminars,
members are encouraged to quite smoking, eat a nutritious diet, and follow a
regular exercise program. There are
also programs which teach people how to deal with stress and cope with family
problems. In general, the emphasis in on prevention rather than cure.
"Putting
the emphasis on prevention benefits both the clinic and its members. For the
clinic, prevention makes sense economically. A seminar on the dangers of
cholesterol and fat is cheaper than a bypass operation. For members, there is
even more to gain than lower health care costs. Life is a lot more enjoyable when you're physically fit and it
lasts longer too."
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Study Questions
1. How does Frazier explain the failure of prior utopian
communities? What were the usual
procedures or guidelines for setting up these communities? What is the basic
principle behind the founding of Walden Two? (145)
2. According to Frazier, what are the basic conditions of the Good
Life? Give an example of each.
(146-149)
3. Give examples of two rules in the Walden Code. Could people in our society abide by these
rules? If not, what might be done to
make them more effective? (150-151)
4. Explain the Walden Two position on
"Thank you." What is your view? (157-158)
5. What is done with violators of the Walden Code? How does this approach compare with your
conception of the use of punishment? (159)
6. Burris and Frazier have quite different views about the need for
control in experimental studies.
Explain each position. (163)
7. When may members of Walden Two be asked to undergo physical
examinations? What is your reaction to this practice? Does it seem worth the cost? (176)
8. Who, if anyone, controls the diet of members of the Walden Two
community? What is your view of this
procedure? (176)
9. What are the regulations for medical patients in Walden Two with
regard to exercise, sunshine, fresh air, and rest? Does this approach seem appropriate to you? Why or why not? (176)
10. What is it like to be a dentist in Walden Two? Why? To
which type of dentistry is most time devoted? Why? (177)
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Values Clarification
The tour
is complete, except for the medical center, and the extensive talks begin. Frazier states
his
five conditions for the Good Life and adds:
1. On work: "Even hard work
is fun if it's not beyond our strength and we don't have too much
of it." (147)
2. On personal favors: "Things run more
smoothly if we don't hand out tokens of gratitude and
if
we conceal personal contributions." (157)
3. On experimenting in daily
life: "To go to all the trouble of running controls would be to make
a fetish of the scientific
method." (163)
4. On rest: "The simple
fact is our civilization puts no value on rest." (165)
Imagine that you have become
a Manager in Walden Two. A group
responsible for founding Walden Three asks you to become Manager of Public
Relations in that new community. One of
your tasks is to convince potential converts to Walden Three of the importance
of the customs and Code in Walden Two.
Using the indicated page
numbers, reread the relevant passages.
Afterward, ignoring Frazier's remarks, indicate the order of these topics,
1st through 4th, according to their importance in your orientation program for
prospective new members. Remember that
you are trying to help them understand Walden Two.
Think carefully about the
most important topic. Then develop a
brief statement explaining the Walden Two position on that topic and why it is
so important, referring to Frazier's comment if you wish. The basic aim is to show how Walden Two and
contemporary society regard this topic differently and how this difference can
be vital in the success of Walden Three.
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