A Story of a Story of Story of O*

Abstract

The article reviews and interprets The Story of O in an effort to clarify what constitutes the O or Zero of the identity and nature of man and life/reality. It soon becomes evident that defining the authentic 'O' is well-nigh impossible, as all sign systems, or texts, are, in the final analysis, inadequate, as the origin and essence of identity and life remain elusive and inscrutable. The symbols employed, relevant either to conscious life or to unconscious existence, attempt to reveal 0, but cannot succeed unequivocally. Despite the imposing influence wielded by knowledge and reason, man remains insecure and uncertain.

Opsomming
Die artikel bespreek en interpreteer die Story of O in 'n poging om te verduidelik presies wat die O of Zero van die mens se identiteit en aard, asook lewe/werklikheid, konsti­tueer. Dit blyk spoedig dat die outentieke O nie sondermeer gedefinieer kan word nie, aangesien alle simboolsisteme of tekste, op stuk van sake, ontoereikend is omdat die oorsprong en essensie van identiteit en lewe ontwykend en onpeilbaar bly. Die simbole wat ingespan word, hetsy relevant tot die bewustelike  lewe of die onbewustelike bestaan, poog om O te onthul, maar slaag nie onomwonde daarin nie. Ten spyte van die effektiewe bydrae wat kennis en rede maak, bly die mens wankelend en onseker.