Having been subjected to a primarily conservative upbringing leaves little room to entertain speculatory factions. Understand that I am talking about a conservative lifestyle, not the political party. This week I was very challenged by the words of Sir Winston Churchill.
I am known, to most people, as a man of few words. In many ways, it is an attribute that is easily rationalized. The idea is reinforced in the Proverbs; “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps his mouth shut.” There is indeed a certain element of truth conveyed in those words. However, this week I happened to stumble across this quotation: Too often the strong, silent man is silent only because he does not know what to say, and is reputed strong only because he has remained silent. -Winston Churchill
Those aren’t words that I necessarily like to hear, but I do not possess the genius required to refute them. Even when I’ve articulated an intelligent answer in the recesses of my mind; too often I allow silence to be my default response. We could look at the life of Moses, and how he was a man who loathed public speaking. He had a lisp, and therefore felt that he was an inadequate messenger. The truth of the matter is that greatness can only be achieved when it is in-spite of our short-comings.
I never worry about action, but only inaction. –Winston Churchill
It is of great importance that we act and speak when it is required, but it is equally as critical to do so when the time is right. For every action there is an equal and (appropriate) reaction. One need not look any further than the outrageous acts committed in protest of abortion. When so called “conservatives” take it upon themselves to purge the earth of men more vile then themselves; it is rightfully condemned. Their logic is so absurdly erroneous that it leads to delusion. My point being, that undoubtedly they felt compelled to action, they’ve responded incorrectly.
It is no use saying, 'We are doing our best.' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary. -Winston Churchill
This particular statement functions as a moniker or depiction of Churchill himself. It speaks so vividly of his determination and vision. He was responsible for the survival of a nation. Failure to achieve victory wasn’t optional. The road ahead was not mapped out for him. He had to rely on two things; his unshakeable belief that they would defeat the enemy, is the first. Secondly, he chose the most appropriate corresponding actions.
I looked up the definition of the word parochial this week. Literally, it means of or relating to a church parish. The word is used most often to convey a limitation in range or scope. I disagree that being so narrowly focused is entirely detrimental in this context. I am convinced that Britain would have been defeated, if their valiant leader did not properly understand the needs and ambitions of his own people. It is with this last thought that I will echo what was said earlier. If we are to move forward, we must do so with a careful confidence and a forward vision that isn’t motivated by unfounded ambition.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Selah
Item. I leave the young ladies all the letters they have had from me, assuring them that they need be under no apprehensions from the appearance of my ghost, for I die for none of them.
Item. I leave my mother and my sister to the protection of my friends, if I have any.
I found these excerpts in the Will of Thomas Chatterton. I don’t know that melancholy and satire should, ever so disastrously mingle. If perchance they ever do…
Before I go any further, I would like to mention a more sombre hour. Tragedy has woken, it’s death toll ringing. It is a pain, not made any duller by unbelief, it grips the hearts and minds of a community, three fewer… we your friends and peers express our deepest sympathies.
I didn’t expect that I would write a eulogy… the throat is choked… but I’m compelled to keep writing. We’ve all been told about the gift of youth… but nary, can a word be whispered when it is so ruthlessly robbed. There is nothing satirical to be said… no, not a word, this is a real- world encounter with life and death. It seems to me, a form of mockery, to encourage the living to more diligently use their allotted time. It may in fact be a pursuit of noble merit, but I’m not buying the whole “let’s appreciate what we do have” sentiments. I am strictly referring to the absurdity of emotional idealism, not disagreeing with the positive attributes of gratitude. An honest reflection on eternity…human frailty… and mortality might be less comforting, but I assure you that, for the deceased, they are matters most worthy of attention, reflection, and corresponding action.
Item. I leave my mother and my sister to the protection of my friends, if I have any.
I found these excerpts in the Will of Thomas Chatterton. I don’t know that melancholy and satire should, ever so disastrously mingle. If perchance they ever do…
Before I go any further, I would like to mention a more sombre hour. Tragedy has woken, it’s death toll ringing. It is a pain, not made any duller by unbelief, it grips the hearts and minds of a community, three fewer… we your friends and peers express our deepest sympathies.
I didn’t expect that I would write a eulogy… the throat is choked… but I’m compelled to keep writing. We’ve all been told about the gift of youth… but nary, can a word be whispered when it is so ruthlessly robbed. There is nothing satirical to be said… no, not a word, this is a real- world encounter with life and death. It seems to me, a form of mockery, to encourage the living to more diligently use their allotted time. It may in fact be a pursuit of noble merit, but I’m not buying the whole “let’s appreciate what we do have” sentiments. I am strictly referring to the absurdity of emotional idealism, not disagreeing with the positive attributes of gratitude. An honest reflection on eternity…human frailty… and mortality might be less comforting, but I assure you that, for the deceased, they are matters most worthy of attention, reflection, and corresponding action.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The Battle of the VGC's
The idea of writing this sketch excites me greatly, but as with anything that is anxiously looked forward to, elements of time, organization, and presentation aren’t so readily laid out before you. The topic and subtopics are already outlined in my head, so before you give up on ever reading about the intended subject matter, I will hastily attempt to break the suspense.
It was the dawn of human existence… a place quite different from our modern world. While the differences are many, the similarities are even more spectacularly illustrated. Unlike Darwin, I do not seek to argue the Origin of the Species, but rather intend to recognize the parallels of ancient civilizations with our own. Technology is wonderful, but it hasn’t changed the primary hunter/gatherer objective that is essential to survival.
It is in that state of thought that I would like to introduce the topic of virtual reality, and it’s relevance to my thesis. Unfortunately, it means that I must also admit that the catalyst that encouraged me to pursue the subject was gained while playing Age of Empires. I was intrigued by the genre in which it is classified; it is a Real Time Strategy (RTS) game. There are some parallels that can be drawn in regards to developing a strategy that increases the possibility of victory. As I began to examine the pieces that are needed to develop a flourishing colony and effective military campaign, I was suddenly aware that the same sort of skillful planning is imperative to my life as an individual living my life.
I won’t spend time creating an exhaustive list of strategies that can be employed throughout the game, but there are a few notable points. First and foremost you need to establish a constant supply of resources. Secondly develop a defense system and protect your assets. Thirdly make upgrades in technology, weaponry, etc. mandatory investments. The ultimate objective is to eliminate the opponent.
We understand in our own lives, that these elements must be in place in order to be successful. The only notable difference is that we have been raised in, so we are told, is a democratic society. An empirical government is motivated by expansion only. Unfortunately theoretical victory, has historically failed in the grandest of fashion. The most recent example is illustrated with the defeat of the Reich at the end of WWII.
Before jumping to conclusions about the supremacy of democracy, I will remind you that all human systems are inherently flawed in their execution. It is with this knowledge that we can address the abstract nature of humanity. In every culture, self-actualization is viewed as the ultimate ambition; the pinnacle of existence. In every instance, such a place of fulfillment is never realized or achieved. The simple reason being, that unless we live with an outward focus, we are missing the mark. It’s like playing a Role Playing Game (RPG), no matter how well you are able to replicate a certain lifestyle, and it is ultimately bogus.
Now we are back to the very basic, fundamental exploration of finding strategies that can be implemented in a real world scenario; hosted, ever so graciously, by your Local Area Network (LAN). I would like to suggest that relational development with people and God are among the primary objectives. Personal growth and advancement are viewed as secondary. The finer points of determining right or wrong, and wisdom and foolishness will be discussed in future articles. My intent is that when it’s all said and done it will have been For the Win! (FTW).
It was the dawn of human existence… a place quite different from our modern world. While the differences are many, the similarities are even more spectacularly illustrated. Unlike Darwin, I do not seek to argue the Origin of the Species, but rather intend to recognize the parallels of ancient civilizations with our own. Technology is wonderful, but it hasn’t changed the primary hunter/gatherer objective that is essential to survival.
It is in that state of thought that I would like to introduce the topic of virtual reality, and it’s relevance to my thesis. Unfortunately, it means that I must also admit that the catalyst that encouraged me to pursue the subject was gained while playing Age of Empires. I was intrigued by the genre in which it is classified; it is a Real Time Strategy (RTS) game. There are some parallels that can be drawn in regards to developing a strategy that increases the possibility of victory. As I began to examine the pieces that are needed to develop a flourishing colony and effective military campaign, I was suddenly aware that the same sort of skillful planning is imperative to my life as an individual living my life.
I won’t spend time creating an exhaustive list of strategies that can be employed throughout the game, but there are a few notable points. First and foremost you need to establish a constant supply of resources. Secondly develop a defense system and protect your assets. Thirdly make upgrades in technology, weaponry, etc. mandatory investments. The ultimate objective is to eliminate the opponent.
We understand in our own lives, that these elements must be in place in order to be successful. The only notable difference is that we have been raised in, so we are told, is a democratic society. An empirical government is motivated by expansion only. Unfortunately theoretical victory, has historically failed in the grandest of fashion. The most recent example is illustrated with the defeat of the Reich at the end of WWII.
Before jumping to conclusions about the supremacy of democracy, I will remind you that all human systems are inherently flawed in their execution. It is with this knowledge that we can address the abstract nature of humanity. In every culture, self-actualization is viewed as the ultimate ambition; the pinnacle of existence. In every instance, such a place of fulfillment is never realized or achieved. The simple reason being, that unless we live with an outward focus, we are missing the mark. It’s like playing a Role Playing Game (RPG), no matter how well you are able to replicate a certain lifestyle, and it is ultimately bogus.
Now we are back to the very basic, fundamental exploration of finding strategies that can be implemented in a real world scenario; hosted, ever so graciously, by your Local Area Network (LAN). I would like to suggest that relational development with people and God are among the primary objectives. Personal growth and advancement are viewed as secondary. The finer points of determining right or wrong, and wisdom and foolishness will be discussed in future articles. My intent is that when it’s all said and done it will have been For the Win! (FTW).
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Most Lonely Day
If introductory paragraphs described my state-of-being in its entirety, a sense of despair would resonate unapologetically. If writing from a place of inner turmoil and desperation helps to relieve even the smallest amount of anxiety; I am willing to give it a try. I generally don’t like to admit that frailness of spirit and hurt feelings are found here, but I’m well aware that denial won’t lessen the agony either. Knowing that the key to recovery is finding a way to hold my head up high; is of little comfort. I don’t naively ignore my struggle with the ever present world called reality, but I believe with certainty that there is good reason to believe it will improve.
If clarity could be derived without trudging through trials and tribulations, it wouldn’t be of any advantage. I can’t help but consider how hopeless life would be if it was lived with my own self-fulfillment as its primary objective. How then does a person walk the tightrope between what is and what they imagine life could be? I don’t rightly know if an immediate answer could be given. It would however, be absurd to argue the irrefutable significance of discovering the reason for living each and every day.
If circumstances were different would they cheat me out of my destiny? I never liked the idea that everything happens for a reason, because sometimes things happen that are simply illogical. We struggle so immensely with the idea that there might not be a reasonable explanation. I do, however, believe that every experience in life can be learned from and ultimately will shape who I was destined to be. It is possible that I may have contradicted myself, but I’ve never yet had someone prove absolutely that every decision in life is “free choice” or that it was “predestined”. Before this becomes a theological debate, perhaps it would be wise to weigh the differences between contentment and complacency. When should dissatisfaction be associated with your two-weeks notice? At this point, pretending to know all of the answers would be self defeating, so I will conclude by saying that, when the rubber hits the road, I refuse to be left sitting on the sidelines. I’ve been called to action, and am reporting for duty, Sir!
"All men dream: but not equally.
Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds,
Wake in the day to find that it was a vanity:
But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men,
For they may act their dreams out with open eyes, to make it possible."
-Lawrence of Arabia
If clarity could be derived without trudging through trials and tribulations, it wouldn’t be of any advantage. I can’t help but consider how hopeless life would be if it was lived with my own self-fulfillment as its primary objective. How then does a person walk the tightrope between what is and what they imagine life could be? I don’t rightly know if an immediate answer could be given. It would however, be absurd to argue the irrefutable significance of discovering the reason for living each and every day.
If circumstances were different would they cheat me out of my destiny? I never liked the idea that everything happens for a reason, because sometimes things happen that are simply illogical. We struggle so immensely with the idea that there might not be a reasonable explanation. I do, however, believe that every experience in life can be learned from and ultimately will shape who I was destined to be. It is possible that I may have contradicted myself, but I’ve never yet had someone prove absolutely that every decision in life is “free choice” or that it was “predestined”. Before this becomes a theological debate, perhaps it would be wise to weigh the differences between contentment and complacency. When should dissatisfaction be associated with your two-weeks notice? At this point, pretending to know all of the answers would be self defeating, so I will conclude by saying that, when the rubber hits the road, I refuse to be left sitting on the sidelines. I’ve been called to action, and am reporting for duty, Sir!
"All men dream: but not equally.
Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds,
Wake in the day to find that it was a vanity:
But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men,
For they may act their dreams out with open eyes, to make it possible."
-Lawrence of Arabia
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Preface to the Epilogue
He says he looks in the mirror and he can't tell anymore
who he really is and who they believed him to be.
He says he walks a thin line between what is and what could be
and he's getting closer to something he can't understand.
Cause there's a crack in his plastic crown and his throne of ice is melting
he climbed his ladder, there was nothing there, now it's a long way down
Cause on and on and on he goes dancing on the grave
of what he thought was still alive, and on and on and on he goes
dancing in mansions made of twigs and castles made of sand
He says his head is filled up with cartoons and fairy tales
and he's trapped inside a dungeon of dolls with smiles on their faces.
He's built a pretty cage, his show's on a beautiful stage
with candy coated prison bars and chains that look like jewelry.
Cause he lives inside of fairy tales and castles now
and there's room inside for false expectations and illusions.
This song has a way of motivating me to examine the issues of life. It is pretty self explanatory, but it is along this line of thought that I am planning to write a series of blogs. Stay tuned, and don’t be afraid to leave comments, thoughts, and objections. Maybe I should put in a disclaimer about objectionable content: Content will remain posted until it’s proven erroneous. Long live the Wikipedian Democratic System!
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