Originally copyrighted and printed June, 2007. Reprinted here with permission from Jennifer Adele Kornberger.
Just as a cook uses different spices to create the flavors in a great and unique meal, a person who tries different experiences and forges their own path will have a great life. Life is more interesting when you try to do things in different ways. Variety is like the spice which adds flavor to life. Being eclectic and allowing for newness and new paths and ideas is a means to adding spice and encouraging creativity...and who knows what type of future endeavors that can lead to either by yourself or others.
Eclecticism is a conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to any paradigm, dogma, set of assumptions, or allow for hierarchy. Instead, it will draw upon multiple theories to arrive at a singular instance of persona truth. This allows for an incredible amount of variety and a great deal of creativity. It is a way to think outside of the box. However, despite all of the benefit to the individual as well as to an entire culture that can be derived from eclecticism, eclectics are sometimes criticized for lack of consistency int heir thinking and also for “making things up.” Like that's a bad thing?
Being eclectic does not mean that you can't make up your mind. It also does not mean that you are wandering around because you are lost. Being eclectic in your approach to anything means that you are choosing a path that not only is individual for you, but it also means that you are choosing the things that work best for you as a unique individual. You are the most important person on your path. The motto of every eclectic should be “take the best and leave the rest.” Really that is the very essence of eclecticism. And...it works!
Eclecticism was first practiced by a group of ancient philosophers who refused to attach themselves to any “real” system, but instead decided to select from existing philosophical beliefs those doctrines and teachings that they deemed the most reasonable to them personally. Out of all the teachings they had collected they then constructed a new system. This could not only be considered cultural revolution, but a better term might be cultural evolution.
Ancient Greeks and Romans used the term eklecktikos, from which is derived our word “eclectic,” to describe not only someone who would mix traits and cultural aspects from various traditions but also to describe a person who was intelligent enough to “know thyself.” Eclecticism was considered a trait of the elite. And, it is once again making a comeback in American culture through cuisine, interior design, clothing, and moder art – to name a few mediums. And, it is very appropriate for Americans to embrace eclecticism since the very bones, flesh, and blood of our nation is based on the joys of eclectic approach and being self-made. A great majority of people residing in America today are of a mixed ethnic and philosophical background and for lack of a better term could be considered “mutts,” and as such the emphasis placed on blood lines and lineage of any sort are fading into the background. Again, this can be a great thing for the individual and for the community psyche. It allows for tremendous variety and uninhibited growth.
Still within the realms of spirituality and politics the Eclectic is viewed as a fence rider without a back bone. Eclectics are 'dabblers.” It has also been said that “eclectic” is just a polite term fro “thief.” And, to a certain extent those statements are true, but they can also be entirely false.
Of course, there are people who will use the umbrella term of eclectic to justify stealing a wide variety of other things they may do that will make the ethical eclectic shudder with disgust.
But, let's face it, there is nothing new under the sun and everything that we may now perceive as new to us did have its origins in something else. Even the oldest and currently most prevalent religious systems have been guilty of blending traits and influences from other sources to allow for easier transition into the mainstream. This would include such religions as Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and modern Paganism. In the world of politics the eclectic bears the title “independent.” But, this does not make Republicans and Democrats any more original than an Independent. Our entire government system was based on a model used by Native Americans.
I am an Eclectic Pagan, and I say it with pride. I give credit and reference to the resources I utilize. I give credit where credit is due and never advocate stealing. But, the path or tradition that I have created for myself is as unique as I am. I am an eclectic writer and will use various styles within one work to make it a diverse and intensely colorful patchwork that will ultimately blend seamlessly. True eclectics form a path based on influences from others (no need to reinvent the wheel) but will do so with their own ideas and measures of mixing. Eclectics bring spice to life and evolution to culture.
Copyright 2007, Jennifer Adele Kornberger. All Rights Reserved. No duplication or republication without written permission. Reprinted here by permission of Jennifer Adele Kornberger.