Gyr beter 2. 8 July, 1992 The Honorable David N. Dinkins Mayor of the City of New York Dear Mr, Mayor, Iam an MD/PAD student at the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons as well as a resident of Washington Heights. I am of course, very concerned about recent events here in my neighborhood but like to view things both in their global as well as positive context. Last year, I wrote and published a philosophical guide to New York City entitled: Prospectus Practico-Philosophicus. Tam sending you a copy of the conclusion to that book which summarizes one view of New York and its greater meaning and importance in the world. In light of the events in Washington Heights, and indeed throughout the world, I thought you might find my comments useful. With admiration for your courage, strength and calmness, I wish you the best in your efforts to resolve this crisis. Yours sincerely, Ogan Gurel 50 Haven Avenue, #210 ‘New York, NY 10032 (212) 694-5690Prospects Praches- Phi loxaphicus by Ogan Guret PROSPECTIVE xr Wittgenstein concluded his Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus with single proposition which reads: What we cannot speak about we must pass over in silence. ane statement sunmarizes the argument that ethical and aesthetic Teeters Of the metaphysical sort are not appropriate elements of a jogical philosophy. However, Wittgenstein once commented that the dooryimPOrtant part of his Tractatus was the pare tree was vwritten -- what he termed the ethical part. Likewise, for this Prospectus about New York, it would seem proper Howagave Unsaid any Further discussion of the worta in general. However, New York's most important facet is thee it's a city of fhe world. No other major metropolis, neither London, Paris, Rome, Woscow, nor Tokyo compares to New York with its dynamic and Cosmopolitan diversity. This fact is not meant to amuse fourists...it is an ethical fact. And because of this, those who are truly immersed in the New York ethic are humanists in their fespect for the individual, are tolerant of diversity, and delight in original thought. Living in New York City is, in the deepest sense of the word, civilized, Now there may be examples in your New York experience where you'll doubt that. At times, you'll come acrese despairing instances of racism, hatred, prejudice, and violence. But consider that these emotions and responses have plagued human evolution since its most primitive beginnings. Fortunately and unfortunately, New York is poised on the edge of that evolution. People here are constantly, coleuscut’ say relentlessly, being confronted with differing qutures and ideals. “some of the responses are regressive in morta inethezs are progressive. Thus, of all che places in the norte where Progress in these challenging human Problems may be achieved, New York, tronically stands best situated, seth ey retake a visit to the United Nations on First Avenue and doth street. Access: Take the 1 train te 42nd, transfer to the 63-7715) AZ Bus to 1st avenue and then walk up tonshe UN. Tel. 263]7713._ AS you tour through this stream ue idealism you might feel a curious sense of deja vu That may be because the fgueiments underlying international cooperarion are similar to the ideals of progress, reason and compassion motivating many of us. What we cannot do now, we must dream into action.