i’ve done some more work on this, incl. developing ‘character classes.’ i posted some of the work (pdfs) on this page: duus’s the modern life as roleplaying game: beyond metaphor.

I also posted this at Steve Pavlina’s forum, and there has been one response.

Would be interested in any thoughts and/or interest…

Hi,

I actually think this is a great idea and find it as fascinating as the diceman concept. I think it could be a really good tool to help look at one’s self in the mirror to evaluate where you currently are and where you want to be.

I find it really hard to goal plan and choose what I should be developing. Treating myself as an rpg char sounds interesting. Luckily I don’t MUD anymore (haven’t for years) but always had no problems choosing which way to steer a mud character. (I guess we find it so hard in real life because of fears of wasting time going down the wrong path etc).

Definitely intrigued :).

Paul

on the webpage

http://thedu.us/character/

It’s near the end of December of 2007, and I’m wondering: Where this inquiry has taken you? What you have found? How has your character developed? What questions do you have now?

The Evolving Storycology Project — this is by Tom Atlee, and describes a vision where people collectively, as both individuals and whole societies, work to author the roles of the future.

Here is some similar future-casting, Journalism that Matters: An Inquiry and a Dream.

Changeling: The Dreaming may also have something to contribute to your adventure.

Call me up (206.427.2545,) if you’d like to talk about some of these ideas, or email me. I’m already interested in talking with you (but hell, I can’t find an email address or phone number.) Don’t email lion at speakeasy dot org; Email my gmail address, which uses my username (no periods or underscores.)

tc, Lion

Two things I have found, in addition.

1. The Federation of Damanhur has two inventions that may help you answer your question. (A.) First, they are divided into 7 ways, including: The Way of the Oracle, the Way of the Word, the Way of the Knight, the Way of the Monk, and so on. Each way holds works and capabilities and ideas, similar to what you have described. (B.) They have a “Personalities Theory” that seems connected to the “life as role playing game” work. You may want to look into that.
2. It occurred to me today that a “role” is always a portion of a larger system or a play. There are usually other elements involved, if the system is really a larger system.

What this suggests then, (if the metaphor applies) is that role playing efforts may work dramatically better when there are other people with other roles who are collaborating with you in your role play.

This makes sense, just considering teams and religions; In a certain sense, the people are living in a collective fantasy (such as a game of football, or a religious belief structure.)

I have admired how, in Japan, the Japanese say, “Hello” to the picture of their dead mother, even though she has passed away. (This seems like a much more connected way of living, to me.) I tried to emulate this in the United States, but was too embarrassed to try: Nobody else would understand what I was doing. It has become clear to me that spirituality and spiritual practice is not a solitary practice (even for monks,) that it is always connected with society. Not only monks— hermits, too! Because a hermit has to be known as a hermit, in order to be distinguished from a thief, a monster, (and so on.) Hermits are socially regarded as wise and original, after all.

So if you are going to role play life, it may be very beneficial to find others who you interact with daily, to reinforce your (and their) roles.

Something to consider.

I believe papers found at http://www.laetusinpraesens.org/ may contribute to your inquiry as well.