Anothers views on Gor
The following quotation is taken from

"Ramblings of a kajira"

"Emma's essays, stories, and life experiences."


It is a good example of how I feel about Gorean Philosophies as well in it's practical applications to my own life.

Here is her view in full:

"What is Gorean?

To me, Gor has many different things you can "take" from the books. People always seem to ask me what it means, and I find myself having a difficult time answering specifically what "I" think it means. It means something a little different to everyone I think. It's a philosophy; it's a way to live your life. It's not role play, it's not about fantasy. There is a message behind the science fiction. It's more than Master/slave relationships.

There are over 26 books currently out, another one out due in December 2008 with at least one more planned for release in the future. The author is a philosophy teacher who's spent his whole life studying/writing/reading philosophy. His basic principals are taken from different societies that were present on earth. Such as Greek and Roman.

He wanted to show his version of a utopian society. He threw in some Socrates and other philosophers who had wisdom that he admired. It was more than sex. It was more than a science fiction. It is a way of life. There is a message behind the series of books and this is what it means to me.

Being what you are is simple. If you are not a tree, don't pretend you are a tree. If you are a warrior, be a warrior. If you are not a warrior, don't pretend you are. If you are a dominant woman, be a dominant woman. If you are a slave girl, be a slave girl. Be feminine if you are female, masculine if you are male.

Be what your "nature" intended you to be. It can deviate from the norm and still be "what" you are. It doesn't mean its wrong, pretending to be something you are not is "wrong" if you are going to be "what" you are. I don't believe people are made equal. They may have equal value and worth but we are not "all the same". Everyone is unique and individual.

Being who you are goes along the lines of the previous paragraph. It is possible to change "caste" or "identity" but many feel value their caste and heritage. It's a part of their identity and while they can raise or lower it, they'd rather just be who they are. People can be born with an innate sense of need for freedom, or slavery.

Some are naturally more dominant than others. Some would rather die then submit to servitude or slavery, while others openly embrace it and desire it secretly inside their hearts. The only responsibility a person might have is to their Owner, while their Owner wants the responsibility of property, and service, and control. Being who you are is also being true to your nature.There's a natural order to things. I feel this is valid. This doesn't lesson a person's worth as a human being, but it is true that not everyone is created equal.

Some are more intelligent, some are stronger, some are prettier, and some have special needs or health problems. This doesn't make them less valuable as a human or mean they don't have skills to offer or something they can do in life, but they are not equal or the same. A seven foot tall man is not the same as a five foot tall man.

They are not created "equally" even if both are human males. On Gor, not every man is a warrior. Some are shop keepers, some are slavers, and some are warriors. They all play a part in society, but they do not all do the "same things". Their value to society is worth something, but they are not "equal". Not all women are meant to be slaves.

Some are created for that role and wouldn't thrive otherwise. Not all men desire to be Owners. But I do feel a person should be treated according to how they are, who they are and what their nature dictates. I do believe there is a genetic disposition that is more likely to make a female naturally submissive or eager to please in some ways.

However, again this goes back to the whole being "true" to one's self, and their Nature. There is deviation from the norm and that should be tolerated/accepted too if one is to be Gorean in belief.

The strong are more likely to get ahead in life, or in general. Intellectual strength, emotional strength, strength of will, and physical strength can all play parts in advancement in society structures. That does not mean that those who deviate from the norm don't play a role in society, they do, and it just as valid, though VERY different and not "equal" or "the same."

Adaptability is how people survive. On Gor… and on earth. Adapting to the environment around you doesn't mean you can't be "true" to yourself or who you really are, instead it means adapting to fit in enough to survive and thrive with the environment around you. You can still be yourself, be true to ones nature while still being in a society that tries to constrict personalities and try to make everyone "the" same.

I believe Gorean philosophy is a live and let live. They settle their disputes with swords, or games of kaissa (the earth variety of this game would be chess) or other games of skill or intellect. There is no sneaky, under handed manipulation or deceit. People are just themselves.
Doing what you will and what pleases you.

This is a key part of Gorean philosophy. Everyone on Gor is expected to be self-fulfilled and achieve a level of lasting happiness's and selfishness based on their own desires to do so and skills to achieve it. There is no remorse or pity for those who cannot find a way to do it.

A free woman can find a way to own a business, or even be an Ubara (an earth version of a queen) if she is determined enough to make a good match. Even a slave is expected to find happiness and fulfillment in their life within the bonds of their Master's slave chain.

There is always ability for bettering your life, cause, or situation if you want it bad enough and are determined enough to get it. Personal responsibility; even within the bounds of society's restrictions or a physical chain on your throat as a slave girl you can achieve a level of happiness and success if you want it. There is always a way to better your status and life if you desire it.
Being responsible for one's actions is a huge part of Gorean philosophy and belief.

If a warrior on Gor makes the choice to draw ones sword, he is willing to take the consequences and repercussions for his actions. If a slave girl refuses a command, she takes responsibility knowing she will be punished. If an Ubar decides to go to war, he takes responsibility for his army. There is no reason on earth we can't take personal responsibility for the choices we make.....

.....The personal responsibility for one's own actions is one of the reasons I have so much respect for my Owner, and he for me, even though I am just a slave. When a slave submits to a collar and accepts their bonds, he or she is expected to acknowledge and accept what that means. Ignorance is not an excuse.

Do whatever you want, but realize there are repercussions for anything you do and be willing to take personal responsibility for your choices, Free or slave. You are responsible for yourself, your behavior, and your actions.

If you fuck up, say you fuck up. Don't make excuses, don't lie. Don't blame it on someone else, or age. There is nothing more rewarding, or freeing in life then taking the power of personal responsibility and accepting it.

There is no point in lying, beating around the bush, or trying to deceive or manipulate. Life is not fair. If you don't like it, do something about it.Anyone who is stronger will naturally assume a position of dominance, be it mental or physical, over those weaker or less willing to match themselves in human dominance struggles.

This includes slaves over less strong people (emotionally, physically, mentally or otherwise), free or owned. If you are not strong enough to be in control, So what? It's not a fault, it's a personality. There are genes that make up a person. That will play a part, so will the environment they grow up in.

Some genes however will make a person more likely to exhibit certain traits than other. Or react to the same situation in a different way than a weaker person. Even slaves can be "strong" and often need a strong Master because of this. It doesn't make them less submissive, but who in the world wants to submit to a weak and egotistical Master?

Being Gorean is simple. It is what you make of it.

I wish you well."


I think she sums it up pretty well myself